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2013年02月28日
朴大統領就任 日韓関係の改善を期待したい
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 27, 2013)
Can Park open the door to better Japan-S. Korea ties?
朴大統領就任 日韓関係の改善を期待したい（2月26日付・読売社説）
We hope the chilled relationship between Tokyo and Seoul will thaw under the new South Korean administration.
韓国新政権発足を機に日韓関係が改善に向かうことを期待したい。
On Monday, Park Geun Hye took office as the first female president of South Korea, a country currently facing plenty of challenges. Park's father is the late former President Park Chung Hee, and this is the first time an offspring of a former South Korean president has assumed the top post.
課題山積の中で、韓国の朴槿恵氏が大統領に就任した。初の女性大統領であり、朴正煕元大統領との初の親子２代にわたる大統領だ。
The new president held talks with Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, who attended Park's inauguration ceremony. It is praiseworthy that the two agreed on the necessity of cooperating closely and building a future-oriented relationship between the two countries.
朴氏は、就任式に出席した麻生副総理と会談した。日韓両国が未来志向で緊密に協力していく必要性で一致したのは評価できる。
However, the current state of Japan-South Korea relations is severe. It deteriorated rapidly after Lee Myung Bak, Park's predecessor, visited the Takeshima islands last year and demanded the Emperor apologize for the wartime past. Seoul recently lodged a complaint with Tokyo over the attendance of a Cabinet Office parliamentary secretary at a commemoration ceremony on Takeshima Day, an event hosted by the Shimane prefectural government.
ただ、現状は厳しい。李明博前大統領の竹島訪問と「天皇の謝罪」要求発言で日韓関係は悪化したからだ。島根県主催の「竹島の日」式典への内閣府政務官出席に韓国政府は抗議したばかりである。
===
Learn from past mistakes
Previous South Korean administrations also have trumpeted future-oriented relationships. However, in the end, they have derailed these diplomatic efforts through their actions on territorial issues and historical perceptions. Park's leadership will be tested over whether she can prevent her administration from repeating the mistakes of her predecessors.
歴代の韓国政権は、未来志向をうたいながら、歴史認識や領土問題で結局は対日外交を暗礁に乗り上げさせた。その轍(てつ)を踏まないのか、朴氏の指導力が問われる。
Dark clouds are hovering over South Korea's economy, which had been performing solidly for years. That country's growth rate dropped to the 2 percent level last year, and its export-led economy has been buffeted by a headwind caused by the won's appreciation. South Korea's chaebol conglomerates have developed rapidly by riding the tide of globalization, but this has not led to the creation of jobs.
好調を維持してきた韓国経済にはかげりも見える。経済成長率は昨年、２％台にまで落ち込んだ。輸出主導モデルにウォン高の逆風が吹いている。グローバル化の潮流に乗って財閥は発展したが、国内の雇用創出につながらない。
With a declining birthrate and aging population, South Korea needs to improve its pension and health insurance systems to dispel public anxiety over what life holds for them in old age.
少子高齢化時代が到来し、老後不安の解消へ年金や医療保険制度の充実を図らねばならない。
Park pledged to tackle such problems in her inauguration speech. She referred to the "miracle on the Han River," the dramatic economic development achieved under her father's administration, and stressed she would bring about a "second miracle on the Han River."
こうした課題の解決に向け、朴氏は就任演説で、経済発展を成し遂げた父・正煕氏の「漢江の奇跡」に言及し、「第２の奇跡」を起こすと強調した。
It will be crucial for her to materialize her plan to expand domestic demand and employment by reinforcing the competitiveness of small and midsize South Korean companies and nurturing venture firms.
中小企業の競争力強化や、ベンチャー企業の育成によって、雇用と内需の拡大につなげる構想を、具体化することが必要だろう。
===
Cooperate more with allies
Regarding diplomacy and national security, Park demanded North Korea "abandon its nuclear ambitions without delay." She also showed willingness to hold talks with Pyongyang by saying, "I will move forward step-by-step on the basis of credible deterrence to build trust between the South and the North."
外交・安全保障を巡っては、朴氏は北朝鮮に「一日も早い核放棄」を求めた。「確実な抑止力を土台に、南北の信頼関係を積み重ねる」と、対話へ意欲も示した。
South Korea has recently accelerated the reinforcement of its defense capability, such as by extending the range of its ballistic missiles, as the security threat posed by North Korea grows. According to an opinion poll, more than 60 percent of respondents supported South Korea acquiring nuclear weapons.
増大する北朝鮮の脅威に対し、韓国では弾道ミサイルの射程延長など国防力を強化する動きが顕著だ。世論調査では、韓国の核武装を支持する声も６０％を超える。
It will be essential for countries neighboring North Korea to cooperate more closely to deal with heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Park was quite right to mention she will work to strengthen trust with countries including "the United States, China, Japan and Russia" to ease tensions and conflicts in Asia and promote peace and cooperation in the region.
緊張が高まる朝鮮半島情勢に対処するには、周辺国の連携強化が欠かせない。朴氏が、アジア地域の緊張・対立の緩和と平和・協力の推進へ、「米国、中国、日本、ロシア」などと信頼を築き上げると述べたのは当然だろう。
China has a dominant presence in South Korea. South Korea's trade with China exceeds that with the United States and Japan combined. The annual flow of people between China and South Korea exceeds that between Japan and South Korea by more than 1 million.
韓国で、中国の存在感は圧倒的だ。対中貿易は、対米、対日を合計した額を凌駕(りょうが)しており、中韓の人的往来は日韓のそれを年間１００万人以上も上回っている。
All eyes are closely watching whether South Korea will cozy up more to China as it boosts its presence on the peninsula, as this issue certainly has security implications for Japan.
韓国が、朝鮮半島で存在感を増す中国への傾斜を深めるかどうかは、日本の安全にも影響する問題だけに、目を離せない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 26, 2013)
（2013年2月26日01時21分 読売新聞）
Can Park open the door to better Japan-S. Korea ties?
朴大統領就任 日韓関係の改善を期待したい（2月26日付・読売社説）
We hope the chilled relationship between Tokyo and Seoul will thaw under the new South Korean administration.
韓国新政権発足を機に日韓関係が改善に向かうことを期待したい。
On Monday, Park Geun Hye took office as the first female president of South Korea, a country currently facing plenty of challenges. Park's father is the late former President Park Chung Hee, and this is the first time an offspring of a former South Korean president has assumed the top post.
課題山積の中で、韓国の朴槿恵氏が大統領に就任した。初の女性大統領であり、朴正煕元大統領との初の親子２代にわたる大統領だ。
The new president held talks with Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, who attended Park's inauguration ceremony. It is praiseworthy that the two agreed on the necessity of cooperating closely and building a future-oriented relationship between the two countries.
朴氏は、就任式に出席した麻生副総理と会談した。日韓両国が未来志向で緊密に協力していく必要性で一致したのは評価できる。
However, the current state of Japan-South Korea relations is severe. It deteriorated rapidly after Lee Myung Bak, Park's predecessor, visited the Takeshima islands last year and demanded the Emperor apologize for the wartime past. Seoul recently lodged a complaint with Tokyo over the attendance of a Cabinet Office parliamentary secretary at a commemoration ceremony on Takeshima Day, an event hosted by the Shimane prefectural government.
ただ、現状は厳しい。李明博前大統領の竹島訪問と「天皇の謝罪」要求発言で日韓関係は悪化したからだ。島根県主催の「竹島の日」式典への内閣府政務官出席に韓国政府は抗議したばかりである。
===
Learn from past mistakes
Previous South Korean administrations also have trumpeted future-oriented relationships. However, in the end, they have derailed these diplomatic efforts through their actions on territorial issues and historical perceptions. Park's leadership will be tested over whether she can prevent her administration from repeating the mistakes of her predecessors.
歴代の韓国政権は、未来志向をうたいながら、歴史認識や領土問題で結局は対日外交を暗礁に乗り上げさせた。その轍(てつ)を踏まないのか、朴氏の指導力が問われる。
Dark clouds are hovering over South Korea's economy, which had been performing solidly for years. That country's growth rate dropped to the 2 percent level last year, and its export-led economy has been buffeted by a headwind caused by the won's appreciation. South Korea's chaebol conglomerates have developed rapidly by riding the tide of globalization, but this has not led to the creation of jobs.
好調を維持してきた韓国経済にはかげりも見える。経済成長率は昨年、２％台にまで落ち込んだ。輸出主導モデルにウォン高の逆風が吹いている。グローバル化の潮流に乗って財閥は発展したが、国内の雇用創出につながらない。
With a declining birthrate and aging population, South Korea needs to improve its pension and health insurance systems to dispel public anxiety over what life holds for them in old age.
少子高齢化時代が到来し、老後不安の解消へ年金や医療保険制度の充実を図らねばならない。
Park pledged to tackle such problems in her inauguration speech. She referred to the "miracle on the Han River," the dramatic economic development achieved under her father's administration, and stressed she would bring about a "second miracle on the Han River."
こうした課題の解決に向け、朴氏は就任演説で、経済発展を成し遂げた父・正煕氏の「漢江の奇跡」に言及し、「第２の奇跡」を起こすと強調した。
It will be crucial for her to materialize her plan to expand domestic demand and employment by reinforcing the competitiveness of small and midsize South Korean companies and nurturing venture firms.
中小企業の競争力強化や、ベンチャー企業の育成によって、雇用と内需の拡大につなげる構想を、具体化することが必要だろう。
===
Cooperate more with allies
Regarding diplomacy and national security, Park demanded North Korea "abandon its nuclear ambitions without delay." She also showed willingness to hold talks with Pyongyang by saying, "I will move forward step-by-step on the basis of credible deterrence to build trust between the South and the North."
外交・安全保障を巡っては、朴氏は北朝鮮に「一日も早い核放棄」を求めた。「確実な抑止力を土台に、南北の信頼関係を積み重ねる」と、対話へ意欲も示した。
South Korea has recently accelerated the reinforcement of its defense capability, such as by extending the range of its ballistic missiles, as the security threat posed by North Korea grows. According to an opinion poll, more than 60 percent of respondents supported South Korea acquiring nuclear weapons.
増大する北朝鮮の脅威に対し、韓国では弾道ミサイルの射程延長など国防力を強化する動きが顕著だ。世論調査では、韓国の核武装を支持する声も６０％を超える。
It will be essential for countries neighboring North Korea to cooperate more closely to deal with heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Park was quite right to mention she will work to strengthen trust with countries including "the United States, China, Japan and Russia" to ease tensions and conflicts in Asia and promote peace and cooperation in the region.
緊張が高まる朝鮮半島情勢に対処するには、周辺国の連携強化が欠かせない。朴氏が、アジア地域の緊張・対立の緩和と平和・協力の推進へ、「米国、中国、日本、ロシア」などと信頼を築き上げると述べたのは当然だろう。
China has a dominant presence in South Korea. South Korea's trade with China exceeds that with the United States and Japan combined. The annual flow of people between China and South Korea exceeds that between Japan and South Korea by more than 1 million.
韓国で、中国の存在感は圧倒的だ。対中貿易は、対米、対日を合計した額を凌駕(りょうが)しており、中韓の人的往来は日韓のそれを年間１００万人以上も上回っている。
All eyes are closely watching whether South Korea will cozy up more to China as it boosts its presence on the peninsula, as this issue certainly has security implications for Japan.
韓国が、朝鮮半島で存在感を増す中国への傾斜を深めるかどうかは、日本の安全にも影響する問題だけに、目を離せない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 26, 2013)
（2013年2月26日01時21分 読売新聞）
2013年02月27日
原発風評被害 放射能の基準から考え直せ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 26, 2013)
Time to overhaul radiation safety criteria
原発風評被害 放射能の基準から考え直せ（2月25日付・読売社説）
The government should make a sweeping review of safety standards for radioactivity. The recent change of administration offers a golden opportunity to do this.
放射能の安全基準について政府は根底から考え直すべきだ。政権交代はその好機と言えよう。
The Consumer Affairs Agency will reinforce efforts to deal with damage caused by radiation rumors since the crisis began at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. Masako Mori, state minister for consumer affairs, said, "The Democratic Party of Japan-led administration increased consumers' anxieties." She has issued an order to study concrete measures to alleviate these fears.
消費者庁が、東京電力福島第一原子力発電所事故による風評被害の対策を強化する。森消費者相は、「民主党政権は消費者の不安を募らせた」と述べ、具体策の検討を指示した。
Agricultural products harvested in Fukushima Prefecture are shipped after they have been confirmed safe to eat, but they do not sell well unless their prices are set lower than other products. Their distribution volume is barely expanding.
福島県産の農産物は、検査で安全を確認し出荷されているが、価格を安くしなければ売れない。流通量もなかなか増えない。
Mori hit the nail on the head when she said a reason for this is that consumers harbor "doubts and concerns about the safety standards."
森氏が、「安全基準への疑問や不安があると思う」と指摘したのは、もっともである。
The administration of former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda adopted stricter standards for radiation contained in food than those in place overseas. The Radiation Council, a government advisory panel, had warned about possible adverse effects this might cause, but then Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoko Komiyama pushed through the new criteria.
野田政権は、食品中の放射能基準を海外より厳格化した。政府の放射線審議会は、弊害が出ると警告したが、小宮山厚生労働相（当時）が政治的に押し切った。
This resulted in more food containing radiation that exceeded the restricted levels. Shipments of wild mushrooms were even halted when a check detected a radioactive substance that could only have been caused by past nuclear tests.
その結果、基準超過が増え、食品の信頼回復は進まない。過去の核実験の影響としか考えられない放射性物質が検出され、出荷停止となった野生キノコもある。
===
Stricter threshold set
The problem is that the Noda government set the yearly radiation exposure of one millisievert as the threshold between safe and dangerous. The one millisievert a year level, which is nothing but a management standard legally set for facilities that handle radioactive substances, was adopted for food safety standards.
問題なのは、野田政権が年１ミリ・シーベルトの被曝(ひばく)線量を安全と危険の境界線としたことだ。年１ミリ・シーベルトは法的に放射性物質を扱う施設の管理基準に過ぎないのに、この線引きを食品基準にも適用した。
The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) also considers it advisable to set the permissible annual radiation dose at no more than one millisievert. But the difference between the ICRP's position and that of the Noda administration is that the former does not consider it dangerous immediately even if radiation exposure exceeds the threshold.
国際放射線防護委員会（ＩＣＲＰ）も、年１ミリ・シーベルト以下が望ましいとしている。ただ、野田政権との違いは、これを超えても直ちに危険とは見なさないことだ。
The international commission believes health effects cannot be detected clearly if the total radiation exposure is held to 100 millisieverts. Thus, the one millisievert a year considered by the ICRP is a ceiling deemed far lower than its safety standard, and comes with the condition that the exposure target can be achieved reasonably.
ＩＣＲＰは総量で１００ミリ・シーベルトまでなら明確な健康影響は検出できないとの立場だ。ＩＣＲＰが考える１ミリ・シーベルトは、安全性に余裕を見込んだ数値で、合理的に達成できるなら、との条件も付く。
Some places in the world are exposed to radiation of 10 millisieverts a year that comes from the ground, among other sources. A radiological examination at a hospital exposes the patient to about seven millisieverts.
世界には、大地などから年１０ミリ・シーベルトの放射線を浴びる地域がある。病院の放射線診断で１回に約７ミリ・シーベルト被曝することもある。
The one-millisievert threshold also has become a factor delaying the return of nearly 160,000 evacuees from the nuclear crisis to their hometowns.
１ミリ・シーベルトでの線引きは、１６万人近くの避難者の帰還を遅らせる要因にもなっている。
===
Gap with international standards
The commission considers that a radiation dose of up to 20 millisieverts a year is permissible when affected areas are in the reconstruction stage, and efforts must be made as much as possible to reduce the annual exposure to less than one millisievert.
ＩＣＲＰは、被災地の復旧過程では、年２０ミリ・シーベルトまで許容し、可能な範囲で年１ミリ・シーベルト以下にするとの考え方を示している。
Then Environment Minister Goshi Hosono, however, stressed the importance of achieving the decontamination target of one millisievert or less. Unlike the ICRP's thinking that equally emphasizes protecting affected residents' daily lives and decontamination, the DPJ-led government gave too much weight to decontamination efforts.
だが、細野環境相（当時）は、１ミリ・シーベルト以下への除染を強調した。ＩＣＲＰの考え方は、住民の生活確保と除染の両立だが、除染が偏重される結果となった。
A mistaken political message also was given by Niigata Gov. Hirohiko Izumida. He condemned the disposal by the prefecture's Kashiwazaki and Sanjo cities of disaster debris from Iwate Prefecture as general waste as a "criminal act."
政治の誤ったメッセージと言えば、泉田裕彦新潟県知事も同様だ。柏崎市、三条市が岩手県のがれきを一般ごみとして処理したことを「犯罪行為」と非難した。
But radiation levels of debris from Iwate Prefecture are the same as trash collected within Niigata Prefecture. We urge Izumida, the head of a local government, not to exacerbate damage caused by nasty radiation rumors.
しかし、がれきの放射能は県内のごみと変わらない。首長が風評被害を増長させては困る。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 25, 2013)
（2013年2月25日01時19分 読売新聞）
Time to overhaul radiation safety criteria
原発風評被害 放射能の基準から考え直せ（2月25日付・読売社説）
The government should make a sweeping review of safety standards for radioactivity. The recent change of administration offers a golden opportunity to do this.
放射能の安全基準について政府は根底から考え直すべきだ。政権交代はその好機と言えよう。
The Consumer Affairs Agency will reinforce efforts to deal with damage caused by radiation rumors since the crisis began at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. Masako Mori, state minister for consumer affairs, said, "The Democratic Party of Japan-led administration increased consumers' anxieties." She has issued an order to study concrete measures to alleviate these fears.
消費者庁が、東京電力福島第一原子力発電所事故による風評被害の対策を強化する。森消費者相は、「民主党政権は消費者の不安を募らせた」と述べ、具体策の検討を指示した。
Agricultural products harvested in Fukushima Prefecture are shipped after they have been confirmed safe to eat, but they do not sell well unless their prices are set lower than other products. Their distribution volume is barely expanding.
福島県産の農産物は、検査で安全を確認し出荷されているが、価格を安くしなければ売れない。流通量もなかなか増えない。
Mori hit the nail on the head when she said a reason for this is that consumers harbor "doubts and concerns about the safety standards."
森氏が、「安全基準への疑問や不安があると思う」と指摘したのは、もっともである。
The administration of former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda adopted stricter standards for radiation contained in food than those in place overseas. The Radiation Council, a government advisory panel, had warned about possible adverse effects this might cause, but then Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoko Komiyama pushed through the new criteria.
野田政権は、食品中の放射能基準を海外より厳格化した。政府の放射線審議会は、弊害が出ると警告したが、小宮山厚生労働相（当時）が政治的に押し切った。
This resulted in more food containing radiation that exceeded the restricted levels. Shipments of wild mushrooms were even halted when a check detected a radioactive substance that could only have been caused by past nuclear tests.
その結果、基準超過が増え、食品の信頼回復は進まない。過去の核実験の影響としか考えられない放射性物質が検出され、出荷停止となった野生キノコもある。
===
Stricter threshold set
The problem is that the Noda government set the yearly radiation exposure of one millisievert as the threshold between safe and dangerous. The one millisievert a year level, which is nothing but a management standard legally set for facilities that handle radioactive substances, was adopted for food safety standards.
問題なのは、野田政権が年１ミリ・シーベルトの被曝(ひばく)線量を安全と危険の境界線としたことだ。年１ミリ・シーベルトは法的に放射性物質を扱う施設の管理基準に過ぎないのに、この線引きを食品基準にも適用した。
The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) also considers it advisable to set the permissible annual radiation dose at no more than one millisievert. But the difference between the ICRP's position and that of the Noda administration is that the former does not consider it dangerous immediately even if radiation exposure exceeds the threshold.
国際放射線防護委員会（ＩＣＲＰ）も、年１ミリ・シーベルト以下が望ましいとしている。ただ、野田政権との違いは、これを超えても直ちに危険とは見なさないことだ。
The international commission believes health effects cannot be detected clearly if the total radiation exposure is held to 100 millisieverts. Thus, the one millisievert a year considered by the ICRP is a ceiling deemed far lower than its safety standard, and comes with the condition that the exposure target can be achieved reasonably.
ＩＣＲＰは総量で１００ミリ・シーベルトまでなら明確な健康影響は検出できないとの立場だ。ＩＣＲＰが考える１ミリ・シーベルトは、安全性に余裕を見込んだ数値で、合理的に達成できるなら、との条件も付く。
Some places in the world are exposed to radiation of 10 millisieverts a year that comes from the ground, among other sources. A radiological examination at a hospital exposes the patient to about seven millisieverts.
世界には、大地などから年１０ミリ・シーベルトの放射線を浴びる地域がある。病院の放射線診断で１回に約７ミリ・シーベルト被曝することもある。
The one-millisievert threshold also has become a factor delaying the return of nearly 160,000 evacuees from the nuclear crisis to their hometowns.
１ミリ・シーベルトでの線引きは、１６万人近くの避難者の帰還を遅らせる要因にもなっている。
===
Gap with international standards
The commission considers that a radiation dose of up to 20 millisieverts a year is permissible when affected areas are in the reconstruction stage, and efforts must be made as much as possible to reduce the annual exposure to less than one millisievert.
ＩＣＲＰは、被災地の復旧過程では、年２０ミリ・シーベルトまで許容し、可能な範囲で年１ミリ・シーベルト以下にするとの考え方を示している。
Then Environment Minister Goshi Hosono, however, stressed the importance of achieving the decontamination target of one millisievert or less. Unlike the ICRP's thinking that equally emphasizes protecting affected residents' daily lives and decontamination, the DPJ-led government gave too much weight to decontamination efforts.
だが、細野環境相（当時）は、１ミリ・シーベルト以下への除染を強調した。ＩＣＲＰの考え方は、住民の生活確保と除染の両立だが、除染が偏重される結果となった。
A mistaken political message also was given by Niigata Gov. Hirohiko Izumida. He condemned the disposal by the prefecture's Kashiwazaki and Sanjo cities of disaster debris from Iwate Prefecture as general waste as a "criminal act."
政治の誤ったメッセージと言えば、泉田裕彦新潟県知事も同様だ。柏崎市、三条市が岩手県のがれきを一般ごみとして処理したことを「犯罪行為」と非難した。
But radiation levels of debris from Iwate Prefecture are the same as trash collected within Niigata Prefecture. We urge Izumida, the head of a local government, not to exacerbate damage caused by nasty radiation rumors.
しかし、がれきの放射能は県内のごみと変わらない。首長が風評被害を増長させては困る。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 25, 2013)
（2013年2月25日01時19分 読売新聞）
2013年02月26日
日米首脳会談 アジア安定へ同盟を強化せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 25, 2013)
Strengthen Japan-U.S. alliance to boost Asia stability
日米首脳会談 アジア安定へ同盟を強化せよ（2月24日付・読売社説）
◆ＴＰＰ参加の国内調整が急務だ◆
The high expectations the U.S. government holds for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe became clear during his visit to Washington. To live up to the U.S. trust placed in him, the prime minister should restore the vitality of Japan's politics and economy.
安倍首相に対する米政府の期待の大きさが鮮明になった。首相は政治、経済両面で「強い日本」を復活させ、その信頼に応えるべきだ。
Abe and U.S. President Barack Obama held their first talks at the White House and agreed to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance.
安倍首相とオバマ米大統領がホワイトハウスで初会談し、日米同盟を強化することで合意した。
"The U.S.-Japan alliance is the central foundation for our regional security, and so much of what we do in the [Asia-]Pacific region," Obama said.
大統領は「日米同盟はアジア太平洋地域の安全保障にとって中心的な礎だ」と述べた。
Abe replied that he wants to declare the strong bond of the Japan-U.S. alliance has been restored completely.
首相は「日米同盟の強い絆は完全に復活したと宣言したい」と応じた。
===
Cooperation on energy
◆エネルギー協力も重要◆
Asia has many destabilizing factors, such as China and North Korea. To maintain peace and prosperity in this part of the world, Japan and the United States must properly play their respective roles based on the robust, stable bilateral alliance that is "public property" of the region.
アジアは、北朝鮮、中国など多くの不安定要因を抱える。地域の平和と繁栄を維持するには、強固で安定した日米同盟という「公共財」を基盤に、両国がそれぞれの役割を果たすことが肝要だ。
Japan-U.S. ties became disoriented while Democratic Party of Japan-led administrations held power for more than three years. Seemingly going hand-in-hand with this, Japan's relations with China and South Korea also deteriorated.
日本の民主党政権の３年余、日米関係は迷走し、連動するように日中・日韓関係も悪化した。
The Obama administration apparently believes that restoring U.S. relations with Japan under the Abe administration would bring greater stability to the entire Asian region and benefit its own strategy that gives greater priority to Asia.
オバマ米政権も、安倍政権との間で日米関係を再構築することがアジア全体の安定につながり、自らのアジア重視戦略にも資する、と判断しているのだろう。
The two leaders issued a joint statement on Japan's possible participation in Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement negotiations. Abe and Obama confirmed "it is not required to make a prior commitment to unilaterally eliminate all tariffs upon joining the TPP negotiations," though they maintained the basic principle that all goods would be subject to the negotiations.
焦点だった日本の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉参加について、日米両首脳は共同声明を発表した。全品目を交渉対象にするとの原則を堅持しながら、全ての関税撤廃を事前に約束する必要はないことを確認した。
Before his visit to the United States, Abe reiterated he would uphold his Liberal Democratic Party's election pledge that the party opposes joining the TPP talks as long as it mandates all tariffs must be eliminated without exception.
首相は訪米前、「聖域なき関税撤廃を前提とする交渉参加には反対する」との自民党政権公約を順守する方針を強調していた。
The latest Japan-U.S. agreement, which allows Abe to maintain his pledge and join the TPP talks, carries great significance.
公約と交渉参加を両立させる今回の日米合意の意義は大きい。
TPP participation, which will enable Japan to harness the vitality of emerging Asian economies, is expected to become a major pillar for the growth strategy of the Abe administration's "Abenomics" economic policy and help the recovery of the nation's economy.
成長著しいアジアの活力を取り込むＴＰＰ参加は、安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」の成長戦略の重要な柱となり、経済再生を促進する効果が期待されよう。
However, some LDP members and agricultural organizations remain strongly opposed to the TPP. Abe must exercise leadership and carefully explain the aims of the trade pact to calibrate opinions within the country as soon as possible to make Japan's participation in the agreement a reality.
自民党内の一部や農業団体には反対論が根強い。だが、首相は、経済連携の狙いを丁寧に説明して指導力を発揮し、ＴＰＰ参加へ国内調整を急がねばならない。
The participation of Japan, the world's third-largest economy, in the TPP will have advantages for the United States, too. Formation of a free trade area featuring the Japan-U.S. partnership will have the effect of putting pressure on emerging China.
米国にとっても、世界３位の経済大国の日本がＴＰＰに参加するメリットがある。日米が連携した自由貿易圏作りは、台頭する中国への牽制(けんせい)効果を持つからだ。
During their meeting, Abe asked Obama to promptly approve U.S. exports of shale gas to Japan. The president replied that his government always takes the importance of Japan as its ally into consideration.
安倍首相が米国産シェールガスの対日輸出の早期承認を求めたのに対し、大統領は「同盟国の日本の重要性は常に念頭に置いている」と応じた。
Some observers said restrictions on shale gas exports could be lifted as early as March, opening a way for Japan to procure cheap natural gas.
３月にも輸出が解禁され、割安なガスを調達する道が開けるとの見方がある。
Abe also stressed that he would review the policy set under the DPJ-led government to shut down all of Japan's nuclear reactors by the end of the 2030s.
首相は、「２０３０年代の原発稼働ゼロ」という民主党政権の方針を見直す考えを強調した。
It is important that Japan and the United States cooperate extensively on economic issues, including energy and nuclear policies.
エネルギー・原発政策を含め、経済面での日米協力を幅広く進展させることが大切だ。
===
Increase pressure on N. Korea
◆対「北」圧力を強めよ◆
In the security field, Abe explained that he would proactively tackle such issues as a revision of the National Defense Program Guidelines, clarifying whether the nation can exercise its right to collective self-defense, and reviewing the Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation.
安全保障分野で安倍首相は、防衛大綱の改定や、集団的自衛権の行使問題、日米防衛協力指針（ガイドライン）見直しなどに積極的に取り組む方針を説明した。
All of these issues are essential for reinforcing the substance of the Japan-U.S. alliance. We hope the government gives priority to these issues and steadily achieves tangible results.
いずれも日米同盟を実質的に強化する重要課題だ。優先順位をつけて、着実に実績を上げたい。
The two leaders agreed to proceed with a plan to relocate the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station from Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, to the Henoko district in Nago, also in the prefecture, based on an agreement reached by the Japanese and U.S. governments.
米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題では、日米合意に基づき辺野古移設を進める方針で一致した。
Although the Okinawa prefectural government insists the air station should be relocated outside the prefecture, the Henoko plan is the shortest way to reduce the burdens of communities that currently host the base. The government must steadfastly persuade people involved in this matter to support this option.
沖縄県は「県外移設」を求める立場を崩していないが、地元の基地負担の軽減には辺野古移設が最も近道だ。粘り強く関係者を説得することが求められる。
As for North Korea's recent nuclear test, Abe and Obama confirmed such provocations cannot be tolerated, and that North Korea should not be rewarded for these actions.
北朝鮮の核実験について、日米両首脳は「挑発行為を容認すべきではないし、報奨を与えるべきでもない」と確認した。
While both leaders agreed to seek the adoption of a U.N. Security Council resolution imposing additional sanctions on Pyongyang, they also agreed to consider sanctions independently enforced by such parties as Japan and the United States.
国連安全保障理事会での追加制裁決議の採択を目指すとともに、日米などによる独自の制裁を検討することでも合意した。
After North Korea's first nuclear test in 2006, the administration of then U.S. President George W. Bush cut a deal in which Pyongyang said it would abandon its nuclear facilities and Washington removed North Korea from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. North Korea should not receive any such benefit for conducting its third nuclear test this year.
２００６年の北朝鮮の第１回核実験後、ブッシュ米政権は、核施設廃棄と「テロ支援国家」指定解除との取引に応じた。今年の第３回核実験によって、北朝鮮が利益を得ることは避けるべきだ。
Strengthen Japan-U.S. alliance to boost Asia stability
日米首脳会談 アジア安定へ同盟を強化せよ（2月24日付・読売社説）
◆ＴＰＰ参加の国内調整が急務だ◆
The high expectations the U.S. government holds for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe became clear during his visit to Washington. To live up to the U.S. trust placed in him, the prime minister should restore the vitality of Japan's politics and economy.
安倍首相に対する米政府の期待の大きさが鮮明になった。首相は政治、経済両面で「強い日本」を復活させ、その信頼に応えるべきだ。
Abe and U.S. President Barack Obama held their first talks at the White House and agreed to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance.
安倍首相とオバマ米大統領がホワイトハウスで初会談し、日米同盟を強化することで合意した。
"The U.S.-Japan alliance is the central foundation for our regional security, and so much of what we do in the [Asia-]Pacific region," Obama said.
大統領は「日米同盟はアジア太平洋地域の安全保障にとって中心的な礎だ」と述べた。
Abe replied that he wants to declare the strong bond of the Japan-U.S. alliance has been restored completely.
首相は「日米同盟の強い絆は完全に復活したと宣言したい」と応じた。
===
Cooperation on energy
◆エネルギー協力も重要◆
Asia has many destabilizing factors, such as China and North Korea. To maintain peace and prosperity in this part of the world, Japan and the United States must properly play their respective roles based on the robust, stable bilateral alliance that is "public property" of the region.
アジアは、北朝鮮、中国など多くの不安定要因を抱える。地域の平和と繁栄を維持するには、強固で安定した日米同盟という「公共財」を基盤に、両国がそれぞれの役割を果たすことが肝要だ。
Japan-U.S. ties became disoriented while Democratic Party of Japan-led administrations held power for more than three years. Seemingly going hand-in-hand with this, Japan's relations with China and South Korea also deteriorated.
日本の民主党政権の３年余、日米関係は迷走し、連動するように日中・日韓関係も悪化した。
The Obama administration apparently believes that restoring U.S. relations with Japan under the Abe administration would bring greater stability to the entire Asian region and benefit its own strategy that gives greater priority to Asia.
オバマ米政権も、安倍政権との間で日米関係を再構築することがアジア全体の安定につながり、自らのアジア重視戦略にも資する、と判断しているのだろう。
The two leaders issued a joint statement on Japan's possible participation in Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement negotiations. Abe and Obama confirmed "it is not required to make a prior commitment to unilaterally eliminate all tariffs upon joining the TPP negotiations," though they maintained the basic principle that all goods would be subject to the negotiations.
焦点だった日本の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉参加について、日米両首脳は共同声明を発表した。全品目を交渉対象にするとの原則を堅持しながら、全ての関税撤廃を事前に約束する必要はないことを確認した。
Before his visit to the United States, Abe reiterated he would uphold his Liberal Democratic Party's election pledge that the party opposes joining the TPP talks as long as it mandates all tariffs must be eliminated without exception.
首相は訪米前、「聖域なき関税撤廃を前提とする交渉参加には反対する」との自民党政権公約を順守する方針を強調していた。
The latest Japan-U.S. agreement, which allows Abe to maintain his pledge and join the TPP talks, carries great significance.
公約と交渉参加を両立させる今回の日米合意の意義は大きい。
TPP participation, which will enable Japan to harness the vitality of emerging Asian economies, is expected to become a major pillar for the growth strategy of the Abe administration's "Abenomics" economic policy and help the recovery of the nation's economy.
成長著しいアジアの活力を取り込むＴＰＰ参加は、安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」の成長戦略の重要な柱となり、経済再生を促進する効果が期待されよう。
However, some LDP members and agricultural organizations remain strongly opposed to the TPP. Abe must exercise leadership and carefully explain the aims of the trade pact to calibrate opinions within the country as soon as possible to make Japan's participation in the agreement a reality.
自民党内の一部や農業団体には反対論が根強い。だが、首相は、経済連携の狙いを丁寧に説明して指導力を発揮し、ＴＰＰ参加へ国内調整を急がねばならない。
The participation of Japan, the world's third-largest economy, in the TPP will have advantages for the United States, too. Formation of a free trade area featuring the Japan-U.S. partnership will have the effect of putting pressure on emerging China.
米国にとっても、世界３位の経済大国の日本がＴＰＰに参加するメリットがある。日米が連携した自由貿易圏作りは、台頭する中国への牽制(けんせい)効果を持つからだ。
During their meeting, Abe asked Obama to promptly approve U.S. exports of shale gas to Japan. The president replied that his government always takes the importance of Japan as its ally into consideration.
安倍首相が米国産シェールガスの対日輸出の早期承認を求めたのに対し、大統領は「同盟国の日本の重要性は常に念頭に置いている」と応じた。
Some observers said restrictions on shale gas exports could be lifted as early as March, opening a way for Japan to procure cheap natural gas.
３月にも輸出が解禁され、割安なガスを調達する道が開けるとの見方がある。
Abe also stressed that he would review the policy set under the DPJ-led government to shut down all of Japan's nuclear reactors by the end of the 2030s.
首相は、「２０３０年代の原発稼働ゼロ」という民主党政権の方針を見直す考えを強調した。
It is important that Japan and the United States cooperate extensively on economic issues, including energy and nuclear policies.
エネルギー・原発政策を含め、経済面での日米協力を幅広く進展させることが大切だ。
===
Increase pressure on N. Korea
◆対「北」圧力を強めよ◆
In the security field, Abe explained that he would proactively tackle such issues as a revision of the National Defense Program Guidelines, clarifying whether the nation can exercise its right to collective self-defense, and reviewing the Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation.
安全保障分野で安倍首相は、防衛大綱の改定や、集団的自衛権の行使問題、日米防衛協力指針（ガイドライン）見直しなどに積極的に取り組む方針を説明した。
All of these issues are essential for reinforcing the substance of the Japan-U.S. alliance. We hope the government gives priority to these issues and steadily achieves tangible results.
いずれも日米同盟を実質的に強化する重要課題だ。優先順位をつけて、着実に実績を上げたい。
The two leaders agreed to proceed with a plan to relocate the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station from Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, to the Henoko district in Nago, also in the prefecture, based on an agreement reached by the Japanese and U.S. governments.
米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題では、日米合意に基づき辺野古移設を進める方針で一致した。
Although the Okinawa prefectural government insists the air station should be relocated outside the prefecture, the Henoko plan is the shortest way to reduce the burdens of communities that currently host the base. The government must steadfastly persuade people involved in this matter to support this option.
沖縄県は「県外移設」を求める立場を崩していないが、地元の基地負担の軽減には辺野古移設が最も近道だ。粘り強く関係者を説得することが求められる。
As for North Korea's recent nuclear test, Abe and Obama confirmed such provocations cannot be tolerated, and that North Korea should not be rewarded for these actions.
北朝鮮の核実験について、日米両首脳は「挑発行為を容認すべきではないし、報奨を与えるべきでもない」と確認した。
While both leaders agreed to seek the adoption of a U.N. Security Council resolution imposing additional sanctions on Pyongyang, they also agreed to consider sanctions independently enforced by such parties as Japan and the United States.
国連安全保障理事会での追加制裁決議の採択を目指すとともに、日米などによる独自の制裁を検討することでも合意した。
After North Korea's first nuclear test in 2006, the administration of then U.S. President George W. Bush cut a deal in which Pyongyang said it would abandon its nuclear facilities and Washington removed North Korea from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. North Korea should not receive any such benefit for conducting its third nuclear test this year.
２００６年の北朝鮮の第１回核実験後、ブッシュ米政権は、核施設廃棄と「テロ支援国家」指定解除との取引に応じた。今年の第３回核実験によって、北朝鮮が利益を得ることは避けるべきだ。
2013年02月25日
北方領土交渉 「仕切り直し」へ戦略練り直せ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 24, 2013)
New strategy needed to resume talks over northern territories
北方領土交渉 「仕切り直し」へ戦略練り直せ（2月23日付・読売社説）
The government's aim of smoothing the way for future talks between Japanese and Russian leaders has been achieved. The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe now faces a test on whether it can devise a specific diplomatic strategy to make progress in negotiations to solve the dispute over the northern territories.
日露首脳会談への地ならしという狙いは達成された。具体的に交渉をどう進めるか、安倍外交の戦略が問われよう。
Former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori met recently with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow.
森喜朗元首相が、ロシアのプーチン大統領とモスクワのクレムリンで会談した。
During the meeting, Putin said it is abnormal that the two countries have yet to conclude a peace treaty due to the obstacle of the territorial issue.
プーチン氏は、北方領土問題が障害となり、日露両国が平和条約をいまだ締結していないことを「異常な事態」と表現した。
Drawing a picture of a judo competition area on paper, Putin stated his intention to make a fresh start in the negotiations. He said Japan and Russia cannot compete because both countries stay at the edge of the competition area, and that they should be pulled to the center to start over.
柔道の試合場をメモ用紙に描いて、「両国は試合場の端にいてプレーが出来ない。真ん中に引っ張ってきてそこから始めるということだ」とも語り、交渉を仕切り直す意向を明らかにした。
Putin's predecessor, Dmitry Medvedev, visited Kunashiri Island, one of the four islands in the northern territories, while he was Russian president. During the visit, Medvedev took a hard-line stance on the issue, saying: "This is our native land. We will not give away an inch."
メドベージェフ前大統領は自ら国後島を訪問し、「我々の古来の土地だ。一寸たりとも渡さない」と強硬な姿勢を見せつけた。
===
Figure out Russia's real intent
Abe must appropriately interpret Putin's positive signal on the territorial issue. We hope the Abe administration will negotiate with Russia patiently while trying to figure out what Moscow really has in mind.
安倍首相は、領土問題に前向きなプーチン氏のシグナルをきちんと受け止めなければなるまい。その真意を見極めつつ、粘り強く交渉に当たってもらいたい。
During the talks, Mori asked Putin to clarify his remarks in March last year that he would seek "hikiwake"--a judo term meaning a draw--to solve the issue. Putin reportedly said it was meant to be a solution that creates neither a winner nor a loser, but he did not elaborate.
森氏はプーチン氏との会談で、北方領土問題について昨年３月「引き分け」を目指すと発言したことの意味を質(ただ)した。プーチン氏は「勝ち負けなしの解決だ」と述べるにとどめたという。
Putin apparently regards the 1956 Japan-Soviet Joint Declaration as a starting point for negotiations on the territorial row. The declaration stipulates the Habomai islets and Shikotan Island should be returned to Japan after the two countries sign a peace treaty. In recent years, Russia has allocated funding for developing infrastructure in the northern territories to steadily "Russianize" them, especially on the other two islands of Kunashiri and Etrofu.
歯舞、色丹２島の引き渡しを明記した１９５６年の日ソ共同宣言が、領土交渉におけるプーチン氏の立場の原点だ。ロシアは近年、国後、択捉両島などの基盤整備に予算を投入し、北方領土の「ロシア化」を着々と進めている。
On a TV program last month, Mori mentioned the possible option of Russia first returning three of the islets--with the exception of Etrofu Island--not all four at once. He made such remarks apparently in the belief that the nation should quickly aim for a realistic solution.
森氏が先月、テレビ番組で択捉島以外の３島の先行返還に言及したのは、現実的な解決を急ぐべきだと考えるからだろう。
When he was foreign minister, Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso floated the idea of dividing the four islands equally in terms of size.
麻生副総理も外相時代に４島全体の面積を２等分する「面積等分論」に言及したことがある。
However, bilateral negotiations between the Abe and Putin administrations have yet to take place. If Tokyo takes a concessional approach before the talks start, Moscow may take further advantage of it. In the same way as previously, Japan should aim for the return of all four islands in the negotiations.
だが、安倍、プーチン両政権による交渉はこれからである。交渉前から譲歩姿勢を示せば一層つけこまれかねない。従来通り４島返還を掲げて交渉に臨むべきだ。
===
Expanded cooperation key
At the meeting with Mori, Putin also expressed his hopes of expanded bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, such as in oil and natural gas. He also said his country wants to take advantage of Japan's agricultural technology in developing its vast Far East region.
プーチン氏は、石油や天然ガスなど、エネルギー分野での日露協力の拡大に強い期待感を示した。広大な極東で日本の農業技術を生かしたいとも語った。
Japan's economic strength and technology would be attractive to Russia, which has increased its focus on development of the Far East and Siberia. If the territorial dispute is resolved, Japan and Russia will be able to cooperate in more areas beneficial to both countries. Such expanded bilateral cooperation also could put a brake on China, a growing economic and military power.
日本の経済力や技術力は、極東・シベリア開発に力を入れるロシアにとって魅力だろう。領土問題が解決すれば、日露両国がともに利益を享受できる分野は一段と広がるはずだ。経済・軍事面で膨張する中国への牽制(けんせい)ともなる。
It is vital for both Japan and Russia to increase their shared awareness that bilateral cooperation is strategically important. This could pave the way to solving the territorial issue.
日露協力の戦略的重要性について共通認識を深めていくことが大切だ。それが、北方領土問題解決への環境整備につながろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 23, 2013)
（2013年2月23日01時27分 読売新聞）
New strategy needed to resume talks over northern territories
北方領土交渉 「仕切り直し」へ戦略練り直せ（2月23日付・読売社説）
The government's aim of smoothing the way for future talks between Japanese and Russian leaders has been achieved. The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe now faces a test on whether it can devise a specific diplomatic strategy to make progress in negotiations to solve the dispute over the northern territories.
日露首脳会談への地ならしという狙いは達成された。具体的に交渉をどう進めるか、安倍外交の戦略が問われよう。
Former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori met recently with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow.
森喜朗元首相が、ロシアのプーチン大統領とモスクワのクレムリンで会談した。
During the meeting, Putin said it is abnormal that the two countries have yet to conclude a peace treaty due to the obstacle of the territorial issue.
プーチン氏は、北方領土問題が障害となり、日露両国が平和条約をいまだ締結していないことを「異常な事態」と表現した。
Drawing a picture of a judo competition area on paper, Putin stated his intention to make a fresh start in the negotiations. He said Japan and Russia cannot compete because both countries stay at the edge of the competition area, and that they should be pulled to the center to start over.
柔道の試合場をメモ用紙に描いて、「両国は試合場の端にいてプレーが出来ない。真ん中に引っ張ってきてそこから始めるということだ」とも語り、交渉を仕切り直す意向を明らかにした。
Putin's predecessor, Dmitry Medvedev, visited Kunashiri Island, one of the four islands in the northern territories, while he was Russian president. During the visit, Medvedev took a hard-line stance on the issue, saying: "This is our native land. We will not give away an inch."
メドベージェフ前大統領は自ら国後島を訪問し、「我々の古来の土地だ。一寸たりとも渡さない」と強硬な姿勢を見せつけた。
===
Figure out Russia's real intent
Abe must appropriately interpret Putin's positive signal on the territorial issue. We hope the Abe administration will negotiate with Russia patiently while trying to figure out what Moscow really has in mind.
安倍首相は、領土問題に前向きなプーチン氏のシグナルをきちんと受け止めなければなるまい。その真意を見極めつつ、粘り強く交渉に当たってもらいたい。
During the talks, Mori asked Putin to clarify his remarks in March last year that he would seek "hikiwake"--a judo term meaning a draw--to solve the issue. Putin reportedly said it was meant to be a solution that creates neither a winner nor a loser, but he did not elaborate.
森氏はプーチン氏との会談で、北方領土問題について昨年３月「引き分け」を目指すと発言したことの意味を質(ただ)した。プーチン氏は「勝ち負けなしの解決だ」と述べるにとどめたという。
Putin apparently regards the 1956 Japan-Soviet Joint Declaration as a starting point for negotiations on the territorial row. The declaration stipulates the Habomai islets and Shikotan Island should be returned to Japan after the two countries sign a peace treaty. In recent years, Russia has allocated funding for developing infrastructure in the northern territories to steadily "Russianize" them, especially on the other two islands of Kunashiri and Etrofu.
歯舞、色丹２島の引き渡しを明記した１９５６年の日ソ共同宣言が、領土交渉におけるプーチン氏の立場の原点だ。ロシアは近年、国後、択捉両島などの基盤整備に予算を投入し、北方領土の「ロシア化」を着々と進めている。
On a TV program last month, Mori mentioned the possible option of Russia first returning three of the islets--with the exception of Etrofu Island--not all four at once. He made such remarks apparently in the belief that the nation should quickly aim for a realistic solution.
森氏が先月、テレビ番組で択捉島以外の３島の先行返還に言及したのは、現実的な解決を急ぐべきだと考えるからだろう。
When he was foreign minister, Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso floated the idea of dividing the four islands equally in terms of size.
麻生副総理も外相時代に４島全体の面積を２等分する「面積等分論」に言及したことがある。
However, bilateral negotiations between the Abe and Putin administrations have yet to take place. If Tokyo takes a concessional approach before the talks start, Moscow may take further advantage of it. In the same way as previously, Japan should aim for the return of all four islands in the negotiations.
だが、安倍、プーチン両政権による交渉はこれからである。交渉前から譲歩姿勢を示せば一層つけこまれかねない。従来通り４島返還を掲げて交渉に臨むべきだ。
===
Expanded cooperation key
At the meeting with Mori, Putin also expressed his hopes of expanded bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, such as in oil and natural gas. He also said his country wants to take advantage of Japan's agricultural technology in developing its vast Far East region.
プーチン氏は、石油や天然ガスなど、エネルギー分野での日露協力の拡大に強い期待感を示した。広大な極東で日本の農業技術を生かしたいとも語った。
Japan's economic strength and technology would be attractive to Russia, which has increased its focus on development of the Far East and Siberia. If the territorial dispute is resolved, Japan and Russia will be able to cooperate in more areas beneficial to both countries. Such expanded bilateral cooperation also could put a brake on China, a growing economic and military power.
日本の経済力や技術力は、極東・シベリア開発に力を入れるロシアにとって魅力だろう。領土問題が解決すれば、日露両国がともに利益を享受できる分野は一段と広がるはずだ。経済・軍事面で膨張する中国への牽制(けんせい)ともなる。
It is vital for both Japan and Russia to increase their shared awareness that bilateral cooperation is strategically important. This could pave the way to solving the territorial issue.
日露協力の戦略的重要性について共通認識を深めていくことが大切だ。それが、北方領土問題解決への環境整備につながろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 23, 2013)
（2013年2月23日01時27分 読売新聞）
2013年02月24日
３人死刑執行 凶悪犯罪の抑止につなげたい
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 23, 2013)
Execution of death-row inmates must serve as deterrent to crime
３人死刑執行 凶悪犯罪の抑止につなげたい（2月22日付・読売社説）
Three death-row inmates were executed Thursday. They were the first executions carried out under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration, which was launched in December.
３人の死刑囚に対する刑が２１日、執行された。昨年１２月に発足した安倍政権の下で、初めての執行である。
Justice Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki, who ordered the executions just two months after he was appointed to his post, told a press conference after the executions, "The spirit of the law shouldn't be disregarded." His statement shows he attaches grave importance to the Criminal Procedure Code, which stipulates that death sentences should be implemented within six months of being finalized.
就任２か月で執行を命じた谷垣法相は、執行後の記者会見で「法の精神を無視するわけにはいかない」と述べた。死刑確定から６か月以内に刑を執行しなければならないと定めた刑事訴訟法を重視した発言だ。
The statement also indicates his stance to carry out in a somber manner the duties of the justice minister, who bears a heavy responsibility.
法相に課せられた重い職責を、粛々と遂行していく姿勢を示したと言える。
===
134 people now on death row
Under the Democratic Party of Japan-led administrations, few executions were carried out. There was even a period of about 20 months in which there were no executions, due to the successive appointments of justice ministers who were critical of the death penalty. As a result, the number of inmates whose death sentences had been finalized increased to 137, including the three most recently executed, the largest figure in the postwar period.
民主党政権では、死刑の執行が少なく、約１年８か月にわたり途絶えた時期もあった。死刑制度に批判的な法相の就任が続いたためだ。その結果、確定死刑囚は今回の執行前で、戦後最多の１３７人に上っていた。
Internationally, countries that have abolished or suspended capital punishment outnumber those who maintain the system.
死刑制度については、国際的には維持する国より、廃止か停止した国の方が多い。
In Japan, on the other hand, 85 percent of the public approves of the death penalty, according to an opinion poll by the Cabinet Office.
一方、日本では、内閣府の世論調査で死刑容認が８５％を占めている。
"At the moment it's unnecessary to review the system," Tanigaki said, taking into consideration this public sentiment.
谷垣法相が「制度を現時点で見直す必要はない」と語ったのも国民感情を踏まえたものだ。
Death sentences have been given in lay judge trials, in which ordinary citizens participate in the trial process, and the sentences for three inmates under that system have been already finalized.
国民が参加する裁判員裁判で死刑判決が出されるようになり、既に３人の死刑が確定している。
Considering these circumstances, we urge justice ministers to implement the death penalty system in a strict manner, after closely examining finalized death sentences.
そんな現状も考慮すれば、確定判決を精査した上で、厳正に制度を運用していくことが求められる。
The three inmates whose sentences were carried out most recently include a man who kidnapped and killed a young girl in Nara Prefecture in 2004, and a man who killed or injured nine people near JR Arakawaoki Station on the Joban Line and at another location, both in Ibaraki Prefecture, in 2008.
今回、刑が執行されたのは、２００４年に奈良県で女児を誘拐し殺害した男や、０８年に茨城県のＪＲ常磐線荒川沖駅などで９人を殺傷した男らだ。
All three cases were contemptible, cruel crimes that horrified society. The victims and their bereaved family members suffered grievous harm. The bereaved families want the culprits to be harshly punished.
いずれも、社会を震撼(しんかん)させた、卑劣かつ残虐な犯罪だ。被害者・遺族が受けた傷は大きく、処罰感情も厳しいものがある。
In the case of kidnapping and murder in Nara Prefecture, the perpetrator abducted a first-grade primary school student who was on her way home from school in order to sexually molest her. He even sent an e-mail with a picture of the girl's dead body to her mother's cellphone. The case was extremely malicious.
奈良の誘拐殺人事件では、帰宅途中の小学１年の女児をわいせつ目的で連れ去り、遺体の写真を女児の母親にメール送信するなど、悪質性が際立っていた。
===
Prevention of repeat offenses
This is the case that clarified the trend toward toughening the penalties in murder cases so that people who commit atrocious sexual crimes will face capital punishment even if they have only killed one person.
殺害した被害者が１人であっても、凶悪な性犯罪では極刑を免れないという厳罰化の流れが明確に示されたケースだろう。
The Nara Prefecture case spurred the government to study measures to prevent the recurrence of sexual offenses, as the perpetrator had a criminal record of sex offenses.
奈良の事件は、死刑囚に性犯罪歴があったことから、再犯対策の検討を迫る契機となった。
The Justice Ministry now provides the National Police Agency with information on where people with criminal records of sexual offenses involving children live after their release from prison. Sex offenders in prison are required to attend programs to prevent repeat offenses, in which they are taught ways to control their emotions.
法務省は、子供に対する性犯罪の前歴者について、出所後の居住地情報を警察庁に提供するようになった。刑務所では性犯罪者に再犯防止プログラムを受講させ、感情をコントロールする方法を身に着けさせている。
However, there is no sign of a significant decline in the number of sex offenses. We should think again about the fact that one purpose of implementing death sentences is to deter atrocious crimes.
しかし、性犯罪の被害は後を絶たない。死刑執行は、凶悪犯罪の抑止が目的の一つであることを改めて考えたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 22, 2013)
（2013年2月22日01時14分 読売新聞）
Execution of death-row inmates must serve as deterrent to crime
３人死刑執行 凶悪犯罪の抑止につなげたい（2月22日付・読売社説）
Three death-row inmates were executed Thursday. They were the first executions carried out under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration, which was launched in December.
３人の死刑囚に対する刑が２１日、執行された。昨年１２月に発足した安倍政権の下で、初めての執行である。
Justice Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki, who ordered the executions just two months after he was appointed to his post, told a press conference after the executions, "The spirit of the law shouldn't be disregarded." His statement shows he attaches grave importance to the Criminal Procedure Code, which stipulates that death sentences should be implemented within six months of being finalized.
就任２か月で執行を命じた谷垣法相は、執行後の記者会見で「法の精神を無視するわけにはいかない」と述べた。死刑確定から６か月以内に刑を執行しなければならないと定めた刑事訴訟法を重視した発言だ。
The statement also indicates his stance to carry out in a somber manner the duties of the justice minister, who bears a heavy responsibility.
法相に課せられた重い職責を、粛々と遂行していく姿勢を示したと言える。
===
134 people now on death row
Under the Democratic Party of Japan-led administrations, few executions were carried out. There was even a period of about 20 months in which there were no executions, due to the successive appointments of justice ministers who were critical of the death penalty. As a result, the number of inmates whose death sentences had been finalized increased to 137, including the three most recently executed, the largest figure in the postwar period.
民主党政権では、死刑の執行が少なく、約１年８か月にわたり途絶えた時期もあった。死刑制度に批判的な法相の就任が続いたためだ。その結果、確定死刑囚は今回の執行前で、戦後最多の１３７人に上っていた。
Internationally, countries that have abolished or suspended capital punishment outnumber those who maintain the system.
死刑制度については、国際的には維持する国より、廃止か停止した国の方が多い。
In Japan, on the other hand, 85 percent of the public approves of the death penalty, according to an opinion poll by the Cabinet Office.
一方、日本では、内閣府の世論調査で死刑容認が８５％を占めている。
"At the moment it's unnecessary to review the system," Tanigaki said, taking into consideration this public sentiment.
谷垣法相が「制度を現時点で見直す必要はない」と語ったのも国民感情を踏まえたものだ。
Death sentences have been given in lay judge trials, in which ordinary citizens participate in the trial process, and the sentences for three inmates under that system have been already finalized.
国民が参加する裁判員裁判で死刑判決が出されるようになり、既に３人の死刑が確定している。
Considering these circumstances, we urge justice ministers to implement the death penalty system in a strict manner, after closely examining finalized death sentences.
そんな現状も考慮すれば、確定判決を精査した上で、厳正に制度を運用していくことが求められる。
The three inmates whose sentences were carried out most recently include a man who kidnapped and killed a young girl in Nara Prefecture in 2004, and a man who killed or injured nine people near JR Arakawaoki Station on the Joban Line and at another location, both in Ibaraki Prefecture, in 2008.
今回、刑が執行されたのは、２００４年に奈良県で女児を誘拐し殺害した男や、０８年に茨城県のＪＲ常磐線荒川沖駅などで９人を殺傷した男らだ。
All three cases were contemptible, cruel crimes that horrified society. The victims and their bereaved family members suffered grievous harm. The bereaved families want the culprits to be harshly punished.
いずれも、社会を震撼(しんかん)させた、卑劣かつ残虐な犯罪だ。被害者・遺族が受けた傷は大きく、処罰感情も厳しいものがある。
In the case of kidnapping and murder in Nara Prefecture, the perpetrator abducted a first-grade primary school student who was on her way home from school in order to sexually molest her. He even sent an e-mail with a picture of the girl's dead body to her mother's cellphone. The case was extremely malicious.
奈良の誘拐殺人事件では、帰宅途中の小学１年の女児をわいせつ目的で連れ去り、遺体の写真を女児の母親にメール送信するなど、悪質性が際立っていた。
===
Prevention of repeat offenses
This is the case that clarified the trend toward toughening the penalties in murder cases so that people who commit atrocious sexual crimes will face capital punishment even if they have only killed one person.
殺害した被害者が１人であっても、凶悪な性犯罪では極刑を免れないという厳罰化の流れが明確に示されたケースだろう。
The Nara Prefecture case spurred the government to study measures to prevent the recurrence of sexual offenses, as the perpetrator had a criminal record of sex offenses.
奈良の事件は、死刑囚に性犯罪歴があったことから、再犯対策の検討を迫る契機となった。
The Justice Ministry now provides the National Police Agency with information on where people with criminal records of sexual offenses involving children live after their release from prison. Sex offenders in prison are required to attend programs to prevent repeat offenses, in which they are taught ways to control their emotions.
法務省は、子供に対する性犯罪の前歴者について、出所後の居住地情報を警察庁に提供するようになった。刑務所では性犯罪者に再犯防止プログラムを受講させ、感情をコントロールする方法を身に着けさせている。
However, there is no sign of a significant decline in the number of sex offenses. We should think again about the fact that one purpose of implementing death sentences is to deter atrocious crimes.
しかし、性犯罪の被害は後を絶たない。死刑執行は、凶悪犯罪の抑止が目的の一つであることを改めて考えたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 22, 2013)
（2013年2月22日01時14分 読売新聞）
2013年02月23日
民主衆院選総括 自己批判を再建に生かせるか
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 22, 2013)
Self-criticism not enough; DPJ must learn from the past
民主衆院選総括 自己批判を再建に生かせるか（2月21日付・読売社説）
Self-critical phrases were found throughout a Democratic Party of Japan report reviewing the Dec. 16 House of Representatives election. The report was quite unusual for an official document of a political party, but the real issue is whether the DPJ can use it to rebuild itself.
まさに自己批判のオンパレードである。政党の公式文書としては異色だが、問題は、これを党再建にどう生かすかだ。
The report on the party's humiliating defeat and its handling of the government for about three years and three months was approved Wednesday at a general meeting of the secretaries general of local DPJ chapters. Dubbed a "plan to reform and recreate the DPJ," the report will be officially approved at a party convention scheduled for Sunday.
民主党は全国幹事長会議で、衆院選の惨敗や３年３か月余の政権運営を総括する「党改革創生案」を了承した。２４日の党大会で正式決定する。
In the report, the party carefully avoided pointing fingers at anyone as a direct cause of the defeat. However, it did point out a "chain of errors committed by party heads," including those of three prime ministers--Yukio Hatoyama's haphazard handling of the planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture, Naoto Kan's remarks suggesting a consumption tax hike and Yoshihiko Noda's failure to properly set the date for a lower house dissolution.
衆院選の敗因については、名指しを避けながら、鳩山元首相による米軍普天間飛行場移設問題の迷走、菅元首相の「消費税発言」、野田前首相の衆院解散時期の見定めを例に挙げて、「トップによる失敗の連鎖」を指摘した。
The report also admitted that the secession of party members, notably former party President Ichiro Ozawa and his followers, dealt a huge blow to the DPJ's image. This made the public feel "it was inappropriate to entrust the helm of government to a group unable to govern itself," the report said.
小沢一郎元代表らの離党で「党内を治めることさえできない集団に国家の舵(かじ)取りを任せられない」と国民に見られたとも認めた。
===
Responsibility of 'troika' leaders
Those analyses all have a point. We believe Hatoyama, Kan and Ozawa--once dubbed the troika of the DPJ--are especially responsible for the defeat. If the DPJ really wants to rally from the historical defeat and once again become a rival of the Liberal Democratic Party, it is essential to wholeheartedly examine past mistakes and thoroughly learn from them.
いずれも当然の指摘である。特に、鳩山、菅、小沢３氏のトロイカの罪は重い。民主党が歴史的大敗から立ち直り、自民党の対抗勢力として復活するには、過去の過ちを徹底的に検証し、真剣に反省する作業が欠かせない。
In addition to the faults of the party leadership, we should not overlook the DPJ's lack of governance--a chronic problem for the entire party. Failure to communicate with bureaucrats, party management that lacks unity, members' lack of awareness that they should uphold the party's decisions--all the things pointed out in the report were on the mark.
執行部の責任に加え、党全体の統治能力の欠如も見逃せない。官僚との意思疎通不足、まとまりのない党運営、決定事項を守るルールの緩み、政権を支える意識の希薄さ……。改革創生案が列挙した課題は、どれも的を射ている。
However, the problem is that all those problems had already been pointed out during the time the DPJ held the reins of government. Instead of taking effective measures to deal with them, the party spent all its energy on intraparty conflicts, such as the battle between the pro- and anti-Ozawa groups.
問題なのは、与党時代に、こうした批判を再三受けながら、何ら有効な対策を取らないまま、「親小沢対反小沢」といった党内抗争に明け暮れていたことだ。
Based on its review of the general election defeat, the reform plan made seven proposals for the DPJ.
改革創生案は、衆院選総括を踏まえ、７項目の提言をしている。
They include suggestions such as "carry the flag of a reformist party and march toward the realization of our reform goals," and "listen to the wide array of public opinions, utilize the knowledge of experts and reinforce our ability to convey our messages to the public."
「改革政党の旗を掲げ、実行に向けまい進する」「広く国民の声を聞き、専門家の知見を活用しつつ発信を強化する」などだ。
===
Proposals too abstract
Frankly speaking, we were disappointed with the abstractness of the proposals. The proposals were supposed to be the centerpiece of the report to help the party fight in the House of Councillors election scheduled for this summer. However, they seem far from serving this aim.
夏の参院選に向けて最も肝心な提言が抽象的な内容にとどまり、物足りないのは残念である。
The party needs to promptly decide on institutional reforms, such as how the party's decision-making system should be shaped and the status of its Policy Research Committee. The DPJ has been struggling with such reforms since it took power.
試行錯誤を続けた党の意思決定システムや政策調査会の位置づけなどの制度改革については、早急に結論を出す必要がある。
The reform proposal said the DPJ "will offer counterproposals to ruling parties' policies, to fulfill the role of an opposition party capable of creating new values." Having said that, it will be important for the party to utilize the experience of holding the reins of government and tenaciously stick offer viable alternatives to the government's policies.
「与党の政策に対する対案をまとめて、創造的野党の役割を果たす」と提言する以上、政権党の経験を踏まえて、「対案路線」を徹底することも重要だ。
Currently, the Diet is divided with the DPJ holding the most seats in the upper house. Thus the party shares the responsibility to move politics forward. If the party examines the policies of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration appropriately and gives constructive criticism as a responsible opposition party, it will lend a disciplined atmosphere to the national administration.
民主党は今、参院第１党として衆参ねじれ国会の下、政治を前に動かす責任の一端を担っている。健全な野党として、安倍政権の政策をしっかり点検し、適切な注文をつけることは、国政に緊張感を持たせる効果を持つ。
At the same time, it will be important for the DPJ not to hesitate in cooperating with the ruling parties to realize policies that serve the national interest, as such an attitude could be an important step in restoring the public's trust.
一方で、国益に資する政策には協力を厭(いと)わないことが、有権者の信頼回復を図る一歩となろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 21, 2013)
（2013年2月21日02時00分 読売新聞）
Self-criticism not enough; DPJ must learn from the past
民主衆院選総括 自己批判を再建に生かせるか（2月21日付・読売社説）
Self-critical phrases were found throughout a Democratic Party of Japan report reviewing the Dec. 16 House of Representatives election. The report was quite unusual for an official document of a political party, but the real issue is whether the DPJ can use it to rebuild itself.
まさに自己批判のオンパレードである。政党の公式文書としては異色だが、問題は、これを党再建にどう生かすかだ。
The report on the party's humiliating defeat and its handling of the government for about three years and three months was approved Wednesday at a general meeting of the secretaries general of local DPJ chapters. Dubbed a "plan to reform and recreate the DPJ," the report will be officially approved at a party convention scheduled for Sunday.
民主党は全国幹事長会議で、衆院選の惨敗や３年３か月余の政権運営を総括する「党改革創生案」を了承した。２４日の党大会で正式決定する。
In the report, the party carefully avoided pointing fingers at anyone as a direct cause of the defeat. However, it did point out a "chain of errors committed by party heads," including those of three prime ministers--Yukio Hatoyama's haphazard handling of the planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture, Naoto Kan's remarks suggesting a consumption tax hike and Yoshihiko Noda's failure to properly set the date for a lower house dissolution.
衆院選の敗因については、名指しを避けながら、鳩山元首相による米軍普天間飛行場移設問題の迷走、菅元首相の「消費税発言」、野田前首相の衆院解散時期の見定めを例に挙げて、「トップによる失敗の連鎖」を指摘した。
The report also admitted that the secession of party members, notably former party President Ichiro Ozawa and his followers, dealt a huge blow to the DPJ's image. This made the public feel "it was inappropriate to entrust the helm of government to a group unable to govern itself," the report said.
小沢一郎元代表らの離党で「党内を治めることさえできない集団に国家の舵(かじ)取りを任せられない」と国民に見られたとも認めた。
===
Responsibility of 'troika' leaders
Those analyses all have a point. We believe Hatoyama, Kan and Ozawa--once dubbed the troika of the DPJ--are especially responsible for the defeat. If the DPJ really wants to rally from the historical defeat and once again become a rival of the Liberal Democratic Party, it is essential to wholeheartedly examine past mistakes and thoroughly learn from them.
いずれも当然の指摘である。特に、鳩山、菅、小沢３氏のトロイカの罪は重い。民主党が歴史的大敗から立ち直り、自民党の対抗勢力として復活するには、過去の過ちを徹底的に検証し、真剣に反省する作業が欠かせない。
In addition to the faults of the party leadership, we should not overlook the DPJ's lack of governance--a chronic problem for the entire party. Failure to communicate with bureaucrats, party management that lacks unity, members' lack of awareness that they should uphold the party's decisions--all the things pointed out in the report were on the mark.
執行部の責任に加え、党全体の統治能力の欠如も見逃せない。官僚との意思疎通不足、まとまりのない党運営、決定事項を守るルールの緩み、政権を支える意識の希薄さ……。改革創生案が列挙した課題は、どれも的を射ている。
However, the problem is that all those problems had already been pointed out during the time the DPJ held the reins of government. Instead of taking effective measures to deal with them, the party spent all its energy on intraparty conflicts, such as the battle between the pro- and anti-Ozawa groups.
問題なのは、与党時代に、こうした批判を再三受けながら、何ら有効な対策を取らないまま、「親小沢対反小沢」といった党内抗争に明け暮れていたことだ。
Based on its review of the general election defeat, the reform plan made seven proposals for the DPJ.
改革創生案は、衆院選総括を踏まえ、７項目の提言をしている。
They include suggestions such as "carry the flag of a reformist party and march toward the realization of our reform goals," and "listen to the wide array of public opinions, utilize the knowledge of experts and reinforce our ability to convey our messages to the public."
「改革政党の旗を掲げ、実行に向けまい進する」「広く国民の声を聞き、専門家の知見を活用しつつ発信を強化する」などだ。
===
Proposals too abstract
Frankly speaking, we were disappointed with the abstractness of the proposals. The proposals were supposed to be the centerpiece of the report to help the party fight in the House of Councillors election scheduled for this summer. However, they seem far from serving this aim.
夏の参院選に向けて最も肝心な提言が抽象的な内容にとどまり、物足りないのは残念である。
The party needs to promptly decide on institutional reforms, such as how the party's decision-making system should be shaped and the status of its Policy Research Committee. The DPJ has been struggling with such reforms since it took power.
試行錯誤を続けた党の意思決定システムや政策調査会の位置づけなどの制度改革については、早急に結論を出す必要がある。
The reform proposal said the DPJ "will offer counterproposals to ruling parties' policies, to fulfill the role of an opposition party capable of creating new values." Having said that, it will be important for the party to utilize the experience of holding the reins of government and tenaciously stick offer viable alternatives to the government's policies.
「与党の政策に対する対案をまとめて、創造的野党の役割を果たす」と提言する以上、政権党の経験を踏まえて、「対案路線」を徹底することも重要だ。
Currently, the Diet is divided with the DPJ holding the most seats in the upper house. Thus the party shares the responsibility to move politics forward. If the party examines the policies of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration appropriately and gives constructive criticism as a responsible opposition party, it will lend a disciplined atmosphere to the national administration.
民主党は今、参院第１党として衆参ねじれ国会の下、政治を前に動かす責任の一端を担っている。健全な野党として、安倍政権の政策をしっかり点検し、適切な注文をつけることは、国政に緊張感を持たせる効果を持つ。
At the same time, it will be important for the DPJ not to hesitate in cooperating with the ruling parties to realize policies that serve the national interest, as such an attitude could be an important step in restoring the public's trust.
一方で、国益に資する政策には協力を厭(いと)わないことが、有権者の信頼回復を図る一歩となろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 21, 2013)
（2013年2月21日02時00分 読売新聞）
2013年02月22日
石炭火力発電 技術開発テコに活用続けたい
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 21, 2013)
Govt must continue pushing coal thermal power generation
石炭火力発電 技術開発テコに活用続けたい（2月20日付・読売社説）
As a nation that relies on foreign energy resources, Japan needs to secure a stable supply of cheap electricity.
エネルギー資源を海外に依存している日本は、安価な電力を安定的に確保する必要がある。
In the wake of the disaster at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, almost all nuclear reactors in the nation have been idled. Thermal power generation using coal, which is cheaper and more readily available than oil and other fossil fuels, is worth taking another look at.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故を受け、大半の原発が停止している。発電コストが安く、石油などより燃料の調達先が多様な石炭火力発電に改めて注目したい。
As part of its management reconstruction, TEPCO aims to procure electricity from new coal-fired thermal power plants to be built by other companies.
東電は経営再建の一環として、他社が新設する石炭火力発電所から電力調達を目指している。
Within the government, however, opinion on whether to promote the plan is divided. The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry is in favor of the plan, while Environment Minister Nobuteru Ishihara appears to be against it. Under such circumstances, private businesses will be unable to freely undertake construction projects for coal-fired thermal plants without worry.
経済産業省がこの計画を支持しているのに対し、石原環境相が難色を示すなど、政府内で評価が分かれている。これでは、民間事業者は安心して石炭火力発電所の新設に乗り出せまい。
Considering how difficult it will be to build new nuclear power plants given the current situation, the government must put forth a policy to push forward with the continued use of coal-fired thermal power.
原発の新増設が難しい現状を踏まえ、政府は石炭火力の活用を続ける方針を打ち出すべきだ。
===
Ways to overcome drawbacks
The biggest advantage of coal-fired thermal power generation is its low cost. According to estimations by a government expert panel, thermal power generation using coal costs 9.5 yen per kilowatt-hour, lower than the 10.7 yen per kWh for liquefied natural gas and 22.1 yen for oil.
石炭火力の最大の利点は、低コストにある。政府の有識者会議の試算では、石炭火力の発電コストは、１キロ・ワット時あたり９・５円で、ＬＮＧ火力の１０・７円や石油火力の２２・１円より安い。
However, one major drawback of relying on coal is that it creates a relatively large amount of greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired plants are about twice that from LNG-fired plants.
一方、石炭火力は温室効果ガスの排出が多い欠点がある。二酸化炭素（ＣＯ２）の排出量はＬＮＧ火力の約２倍だ。
Technological progress has been made in curbing CO2 emissions at coal-fired plants, but more ways to make up for such drawbacks must be found.
石炭火力でＣＯ２発生を抑制する技術は進歩している。弱点をいかにカバーするかが問われる。
The Environment Ministry has put the brakes on constructing new coal-fired thermal plants based on its environmental assessment, a measure it considers necessary to deal with global warming.
環境省はこれまで地球温暖化対策を理由に、環境影響評価（アセスメント）で石炭火力の新設にブレーキをかけてきた。
Orix Corp. and Toshiba Corp. were forced to reexamine and scrap their coal-fired thermal plant projects in 2006, as coal was deemed to create too much carbon dioxide. The same happened to Nippon Kasei Chemical Co. in 2010. In fact, no new coal-fired thermal plant construction project has been approved in the past decade.
２００６年にオリックスと東芝が、１０年には日本化成などが「ＣＯ２の排出量が多い」として計画の見直しを迫られ、発電所建設が断念に追い込まれた。この１０年、新設が認められた例はない。
There are no definite standards set on permissible CO2 emission levels. Some observers have noted it is problematic that the Environment Ministry has arbitrarily discouraged the construction of new coal-fired plants.
許容されるＣＯ２排出量に明確な基準がなく、環境省が恣意(しい)的にストップをかけるのは問題だと指摘する声もある。
===
Regulatory reform needed
Last week, the government's advisory panel on regulatory reform announced it would study easing and clarifying the requirements for constructing new coal-fired plants. This is a reasonable step. Regulations that have effectively hampered construction must be urgently reexamined.
政府の規制改革会議が先週、石炭火力の新設要件の緩和・明確化を、検討テーマとする方針を示したのは妥当だ。発電所の開発を事実上、阻んできた規制の見直しを急いでもらいたい。
Japan faces the task of securing a stable power supply while simultaneously implementing measures against global warming. Achieving this became more difficult after the nuclear disaster at the Fukushima plant. It is important to maintain diversified electricity sources, including coal firing, in addition to restarting nuclear reactors once their safety has been confirmed.
日本は、電力の安定供給と温暖化対策の両立が課題だ。原発事故で、この目標のハードルは一段と高くなった。安全を確認できた原発を活用するとともに、石炭火力を含め、電源の多様性を維持することが重要である。
Many coal-fired plants in emerging countries, such as China and India, are inefficient. If these nations are to utilize Japan's high-performance equipment, however, it can act as a favorable contribution toward dealing with a global environmental issue.
中国やインドなど新興国には効率の悪い石炭火力発電所が多い。日本が新興国に、高性能の石炭火力発電設備を普及させることは、地球環境問題への有益な貢献のあり方の一つと言えよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 20, 2013)
（2013年2月20日01時38分 読売新聞）
Govt must continue pushing coal thermal power generation
石炭火力発電 技術開発テコに活用続けたい（2月20日付・読売社説）
As a nation that relies on foreign energy resources, Japan needs to secure a stable supply of cheap electricity.
エネルギー資源を海外に依存している日本は、安価な電力を安定的に確保する必要がある。
In the wake of the disaster at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, almost all nuclear reactors in the nation have been idled. Thermal power generation using coal, which is cheaper and more readily available than oil and other fossil fuels, is worth taking another look at.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故を受け、大半の原発が停止している。発電コストが安く、石油などより燃料の調達先が多様な石炭火力発電に改めて注目したい。
As part of its management reconstruction, TEPCO aims to procure electricity from new coal-fired thermal power plants to be built by other companies.
東電は経営再建の一環として、他社が新設する石炭火力発電所から電力調達を目指している。
Within the government, however, opinion on whether to promote the plan is divided. The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry is in favor of the plan, while Environment Minister Nobuteru Ishihara appears to be against it. Under such circumstances, private businesses will be unable to freely undertake construction projects for coal-fired thermal plants without worry.
経済産業省がこの計画を支持しているのに対し、石原環境相が難色を示すなど、政府内で評価が分かれている。これでは、民間事業者は安心して石炭火力発電所の新設に乗り出せまい。
Considering how difficult it will be to build new nuclear power plants given the current situation, the government must put forth a policy to push forward with the continued use of coal-fired thermal power.
原発の新増設が難しい現状を踏まえ、政府は石炭火力の活用を続ける方針を打ち出すべきだ。
===
Ways to overcome drawbacks
The biggest advantage of coal-fired thermal power generation is its low cost. According to estimations by a government expert panel, thermal power generation using coal costs 9.5 yen per kilowatt-hour, lower than the 10.7 yen per kWh for liquefied natural gas and 22.1 yen for oil.
石炭火力の最大の利点は、低コストにある。政府の有識者会議の試算では、石炭火力の発電コストは、１キロ・ワット時あたり９・５円で、ＬＮＧ火力の１０・７円や石油火力の２２・１円より安い。
However, one major drawback of relying on coal is that it creates a relatively large amount of greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired plants are about twice that from LNG-fired plants.
一方、石炭火力は温室効果ガスの排出が多い欠点がある。二酸化炭素（ＣＯ２）の排出量はＬＮＧ火力の約２倍だ。
Technological progress has been made in curbing CO2 emissions at coal-fired plants, but more ways to make up for such drawbacks must be found.
石炭火力でＣＯ２発生を抑制する技術は進歩している。弱点をいかにカバーするかが問われる。
The Environment Ministry has put the brakes on constructing new coal-fired thermal plants based on its environmental assessment, a measure it considers necessary to deal with global warming.
環境省はこれまで地球温暖化対策を理由に、環境影響評価（アセスメント）で石炭火力の新設にブレーキをかけてきた。
Orix Corp. and Toshiba Corp. were forced to reexamine and scrap their coal-fired thermal plant projects in 2006, as coal was deemed to create too much carbon dioxide. The same happened to Nippon Kasei Chemical Co. in 2010. In fact, no new coal-fired thermal plant construction project has been approved in the past decade.
２００６年にオリックスと東芝が、１０年には日本化成などが「ＣＯ２の排出量が多い」として計画の見直しを迫られ、発電所建設が断念に追い込まれた。この１０年、新設が認められた例はない。
There are no definite standards set on permissible CO2 emission levels. Some observers have noted it is problematic that the Environment Ministry has arbitrarily discouraged the construction of new coal-fired plants.
許容されるＣＯ２排出量に明確な基準がなく、環境省が恣意(しい)的にストップをかけるのは問題だと指摘する声もある。
===
Regulatory reform needed
Last week, the government's advisory panel on regulatory reform announced it would study easing and clarifying the requirements for constructing new coal-fired plants. This is a reasonable step. Regulations that have effectively hampered construction must be urgently reexamined.
政府の規制改革会議が先週、石炭火力の新設要件の緩和・明確化を、検討テーマとする方針を示したのは妥当だ。発電所の開発を事実上、阻んできた規制の見直しを急いでもらいたい。
Japan faces the task of securing a stable power supply while simultaneously implementing measures against global warming. Achieving this became more difficult after the nuclear disaster at the Fukushima plant. It is important to maintain diversified electricity sources, including coal firing, in addition to restarting nuclear reactors once their safety has been confirmed.
日本は、電力の安定供給と温暖化対策の両立が課題だ。原発事故で、この目標のハードルは一段と高くなった。安全を確認できた原発を活用するとともに、石炭火力を含め、電源の多様性を維持することが重要である。
Many coal-fired plants in emerging countries, such as China and India, are inefficient. If these nations are to utilize Japan's high-performance equipment, however, it can act as a favorable contribution toward dealing with a global environmental issue.
中国やインドなど新興国には効率の悪い石炭火力発電所が多い。日本が新興国に、高性能の石炭火力発電設備を普及させることは、地球環境問題への有益な貢献のあり方の一つと言えよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 20, 2013)
（2013年2月20日01時38分 読売新聞）
2013年02月21日
モラハラを乗り越えて、ようやく幸せになれました 治療出来るそうです
モラルハラスメントについては適切な日本語翻訳がございませんが、強いて翻訳すれば「怒りによる、言葉の暴力症候群」です。本邦翻訳一号だと思います。ちなみに私はプロの翻訳家の末席を汚しております。
モラルハラスメントは長いので省略してモラハラと称されることが多いようですが、すでに流行語の域に達しているのではないでしょうか。
現役時代にモラハラを経験いたしましたが、タイ移住後良妻に恵まれて、モラハラは私の周辺から消え去りました。
モラハラには大別して二種類あると思います。
ひとつは男性のモラハラですが、大声で怒鳴るのが特長です。それで相手を威嚇して、従わせるのですが、それほど陰湿ではありません。
二つ目は女性のモラハラです。男性ほど大声で怒鳴りませんが、その内容は極めて陰湿な場合が多いです。
私も現場雇いの女性事務員からモラハラされた経験がありますが、すぐにたたき出しました。
エクセル、ワード、ロータス、一太郎、などは、私のほうが素早く打ち込み出来たからなのです。女性のモラハラは陰湿です。
モラハラ 特徴 は現場での対応策が少ないことです。ひとたび人間関係が崩壊すれば、それを回復するのは容易ではありません。
モラルハラスメント専門相談店.com などに相談するのが、唯一の対策の様な気が致します。
モラハラ&DV夫の「怒り」「イライラ」を消す方法 が大いに参考になりました。
以上、レビューブログから情報をいただきました
米航空大手合併 世界の空を競う新時代の到来
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 20, 2013)
American-US Airways merger marks new era of global rivalry
米航空大手合併 世界の空を競う新時代の到来（2月19日付・読売社説）
The U.S. airline industry has reached the end of more than 10 years of mergers and acquisitions among major carriers. This indicates the dawn of a new era in which the three big U.S. carriers will take the lead in the global airline industry, as well as in Asia.
１０年以上にわたる米航空業界の合従連衡に、大きな区切りがついた。米３強が、アジアなど世界の空を主導する新たな競争時代の到来だ。
American Airlines and US Airways, the world's fourth and 11th-largest carriers, respectively, have agreed to merge this autumn. Under the deal, the new airline will surpass United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, the current No. 1 and No. 2 carriers, as the largest in the world.
航空世界４位のアメリカン航空と１１位のＵＳエアウェイズが今秋に合併することで合意した。１位と２位だった米ユナイテッド航空と米デルタ航空を抜き、世界最大の航空会社になる。
It can be said that the latest development is the result of American and US Airways' shared intention to survive global competition by streamlining operations and expanding their customer base.
業務効率化や顧客基盤の拡大で国際競争を生き残ろうと、両社の思惑が一致した結果と言える。
Following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, major U.S. carriers fell like dominoes due to economic slowdowns, soaring fuel prices and aggressive sales drives by low-cost carriers.
２００１年の米同時テロ以降、米航空大手は、景気悪化や燃料費高騰、格安航空会社の攻勢などでドミノ倒しのように破綻した。
Later, these collapsed carriers consolidated after restructuring under bankruptcy protection. For instance, Delta merged with Northwest, while United absorbed Continental.
その後はデルタとノースウエスト航空、ユナイテッドとコンチネンタル航空など、破綻を経た大手間の統合が繰り返された。
===
U.S. carriers to take leading role
The latest merger is also a move for airlines to find ways to survive through the same formula for recovery.
今回の合併も「再生の方程式」に活路を見いだす動きだ。
American entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection proceedings in autumn 2011 following delays in cost-cutting efforts and other factors. The airline still faces many challenges, as it has been unable to single-handedly put itself back on the corporate reconstruction track.
アメリカンは１１年秋、コスト削減の遅れなどから、米連邦破産法の適用を申請し、経営破綻した。自力再建が軌道に乗らない苦境が今も続いている。
On the other hand, US Airways, which first entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2002 and again in 2004, is smaller than American in terms of passenger traffic, but has recently been performing relatively steadily.
一方、０２年と０４年に２度の経営破綻を経験したＵＳエアは、規模ではアメリカンに劣るものの、最近の経営は比較的順調だった。
The carrier is apparently aiming to shed its excessive dependence on domestic flight services and hoped to mutually complement each other with the merger with American, which has a solid network of international flights.
米国内偏重からの脱却を狙い、ＵＳエアは強固な国際線網を持つアメリカンとの補完関係に期待して合併を図ったのだろう。
The focal point in the months ahead will be how quickly the two airlines can demonstrate the cost-reducing effect of the merger.
今後の焦点は、いかに迅速にコスト削減などの合併効果を発揮できるか、である。
The new company plans to capture fast-growing markets, including those in Asia. It is certain that global competition in the airline industry will intensify further, with the three major U.S. carriers taking a pivotal role.
新会社は、成長著しいアジア市場などの攻略を目指す構えだ。米３強が軸になり、世界競争が一段と激化するに違いない。
Currently, there are three global airline alliance networks that allow partner carriers to have codeshare flights and share mileage reward systems.
世界には、共同運航やマイレージ共有などで提携する三つの航空会社連合がある。
===
ANA, JAL must act quickly
The American-US Airways merger, in which both carriers belong to different alliances, may trigger a global realignment that goes beyond existing alliance networks.
所属が異なるアメリカンとＵＳエアの合併は、連合を超えた世界再編の引き金になる可能性も秘めている。
The two major Japanese airlines--All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines, both of which run relatively small-scale operations--must raise their sense of urgency. We hope the two carriers will enhance their competitiveness by making further cost-cutting efforts and improving their services.
経営規模が小さい全日本空輸と日本航空の国内２社は、危機感を強めなければならない。一層のコスト削減やサービス充実で、競争力を高めてほしい。
Yet the Boeing 787, which both consider their leading, next-generation aircraft, has been forced to suspend operations due to mechanical troubles. This negative effect is a matter of concern.
ただ、両社が次世代の主力機と位置付けるボーイング７８７がトラブルで運航停止に追い込まれている。その影響が懸念される。
Hindered by its complicated electronic system and joint development through Japanese, U.S. and European manufacturers, there has been little progress in investigating the cause of recent incidents involving Boeing 787s, leaving no prospect for resuming operations even though a month has already passed since the planes were suspended.
複雑な電子システムや日米欧にまたがる開発体制が支障となって原因究明は進まず、１か月が経過しても運航のめどが立たない。
If the suspension is extended, both Japanese airlines must review their business management plans centering on the 787s.
長期化すれば、７８７導入を前提とした両社の経営計画見直しは必至だ。
We hope both Japanese and U.S. authorities expedite their cooperative efforts to shed light on the cause of the incidents.
日米当局は協力して原因究明を急いでもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 19, 2013)
（2013年2月19日01時22分 読売新聞）
American-US Airways merger marks new era of global rivalry
米航空大手合併 世界の空を競う新時代の到来（2月19日付・読売社説）
The U.S. airline industry has reached the end of more than 10 years of mergers and acquisitions among major carriers. This indicates the dawn of a new era in which the three big U.S. carriers will take the lead in the global airline industry, as well as in Asia.
１０年以上にわたる米航空業界の合従連衡に、大きな区切りがついた。米３強が、アジアなど世界の空を主導する新たな競争時代の到来だ。
American Airlines and US Airways, the world's fourth and 11th-largest carriers, respectively, have agreed to merge this autumn. Under the deal, the new airline will surpass United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, the current No. 1 and No. 2 carriers, as the largest in the world.
航空世界４位のアメリカン航空と１１位のＵＳエアウェイズが今秋に合併することで合意した。１位と２位だった米ユナイテッド航空と米デルタ航空を抜き、世界最大の航空会社になる。
It can be said that the latest development is the result of American and US Airways' shared intention to survive global competition by streamlining operations and expanding their customer base.
業務効率化や顧客基盤の拡大で国際競争を生き残ろうと、両社の思惑が一致した結果と言える。
Following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, major U.S. carriers fell like dominoes due to economic slowdowns, soaring fuel prices and aggressive sales drives by low-cost carriers.
２００１年の米同時テロ以降、米航空大手は、景気悪化や燃料費高騰、格安航空会社の攻勢などでドミノ倒しのように破綻した。
Later, these collapsed carriers consolidated after restructuring under bankruptcy protection. For instance, Delta merged with Northwest, while United absorbed Continental.
その後はデルタとノースウエスト航空、ユナイテッドとコンチネンタル航空など、破綻を経た大手間の統合が繰り返された。
===
U.S. carriers to take leading role
The latest merger is also a move for airlines to find ways to survive through the same formula for recovery.
今回の合併も「再生の方程式」に活路を見いだす動きだ。
American entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection proceedings in autumn 2011 following delays in cost-cutting efforts and other factors. The airline still faces many challenges, as it has been unable to single-handedly put itself back on the corporate reconstruction track.
アメリカンは１１年秋、コスト削減の遅れなどから、米連邦破産法の適用を申請し、経営破綻した。自力再建が軌道に乗らない苦境が今も続いている。
On the other hand, US Airways, which first entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2002 and again in 2004, is smaller than American in terms of passenger traffic, but has recently been performing relatively steadily.
一方、０２年と０４年に２度の経営破綻を経験したＵＳエアは、規模ではアメリカンに劣るものの、最近の経営は比較的順調だった。
The carrier is apparently aiming to shed its excessive dependence on domestic flight services and hoped to mutually complement each other with the merger with American, which has a solid network of international flights.
米国内偏重からの脱却を狙い、ＵＳエアは強固な国際線網を持つアメリカンとの補完関係に期待して合併を図ったのだろう。
The focal point in the months ahead will be how quickly the two airlines can demonstrate the cost-reducing effect of the merger.
今後の焦点は、いかに迅速にコスト削減などの合併効果を発揮できるか、である。
The new company plans to capture fast-growing markets, including those in Asia. It is certain that global competition in the airline industry will intensify further, with the three major U.S. carriers taking a pivotal role.
新会社は、成長著しいアジア市場などの攻略を目指す構えだ。米３強が軸になり、世界競争が一段と激化するに違いない。
Currently, there are three global airline alliance networks that allow partner carriers to have codeshare flights and share mileage reward systems.
世界には、共同運航やマイレージ共有などで提携する三つの航空会社連合がある。
===
ANA, JAL must act quickly
The American-US Airways merger, in which both carriers belong to different alliances, may trigger a global realignment that goes beyond existing alliance networks.
所属が異なるアメリカンとＵＳエアの合併は、連合を超えた世界再編の引き金になる可能性も秘めている。
The two major Japanese airlines--All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines, both of which run relatively small-scale operations--must raise their sense of urgency. We hope the two carriers will enhance their competitiveness by making further cost-cutting efforts and improving their services.
経営規模が小さい全日本空輸と日本航空の国内２社は、危機感を強めなければならない。一層のコスト削減やサービス充実で、競争力を高めてほしい。
Yet the Boeing 787, which both consider their leading, next-generation aircraft, has been forced to suspend operations due to mechanical troubles. This negative effect is a matter of concern.
ただ、両社が次世代の主力機と位置付けるボーイング７８７がトラブルで運航停止に追い込まれている。その影響が懸念される。
Hindered by its complicated electronic system and joint development through Japanese, U.S. and European manufacturers, there has been little progress in investigating the cause of recent incidents involving Boeing 787s, leaving no prospect for resuming operations even though a month has already passed since the planes were suspended.
複雑な電子システムや日米欧にまたがる開発体制が支障となって原因究明は進まず、１か月が経過しても運航のめどが立たない。
If the suspension is extended, both Japanese airlines must review their business management plans centering on the 787s.
長期化すれば、７８７導入を前提とした両社の経営計画見直しは必至だ。
We hope both Japanese and U.S. authorities expedite their cooperative efforts to shed light on the cause of the incidents.
日米当局は協力して原因究明を急いでもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 19, 2013)
（2013年2月19日01時22分 読売新聞）
2013年02月20日
通貨安競争 対立の火種を残したＧ２０声明
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 19, 2013)
G-20 meeting failed to resolve cause of conflict
通貨安競争 対立の火種を残したＧ２０声明（2月18日付・読売社説）
Industrialized nations--including Japan, the United States and European countries--and China and other emerging nations have agreed to avoid "currency competition" in which currencies are guided lower.
自国通貨の為替レートを安く誘導する「通貨安競争」を避けることで、日米欧の先進国と中国など新興国が一致した。
It is laudable that the Group of 20 meeting in Moscow avoided naming Japan in connection with recent weakening of the yen, but it did not quench the underlying fire that could blaze up again into a new confrontation.
最近の円安に関し、日本が名指しの批判を回避できた点は評価できるが、対立が再燃する火種を残したと言えよう。
The meeting was attended by finance ministers and central bank chiefs from 20 principal economies.
主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）財務相・中央銀行総裁会議が、モスクワで開かれた。
Since its inauguration in December, the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has adopted an economic policy dubbed "Abenomics" that combines drastic monetary easing with flexible fiscal measures, but which has led to the rapid weakening of the yen. This was a focus of G-20 discussions because emerging and some other member countries suspect Japan intentionally induced a weakening of the yen.
安倍政権発足後、大胆な金融緩和と機動的な財政政策を組み合わせた経済政策「アベノミクス」が導入され、急速に円安が進んだことが焦点になった。新興国などから、「円安誘導策ではないか」という指摘が出ていたからだ。
The joint statement adopted by the G-20 economies stated they would refrain from "competitive devaluation" and "will not target our exchange rates for competitive purposes." No reference was made to Japan in this regard although it was a matter of concern.
採択された共同声明は、「通貨の競争的な切り下げを回避する。為替レートを競争力を高める目標にしない」と明記した。懸念された日本への言及はなかった。
Finance Minister Taro Aso, who also serves as deputy prime minister, denied Japan intentionally weakened the yen and explained that the government's aim was to lift Japan out of deflation. It seems his explanation won a certain degree of understanding.
麻生副総理・財務相が円安誘導策を否定し、「デフレからの早期脱却を目指す」という日本の政策目標を説明したことで、一定の理解が得られたようだ。
===
Oblique warning to Japan
Concerning monetary policy, the statement said it should be "directed only at price stability and economic recovery" and adverse impacts would be monitored closely and minimized. This could be interpreted as a warning to Japan that its economic policy should not adversely affect exchange and other markets.
ただし、声明は金融政策について、「国内の物価安定や経済回復に当てられるべきだ。負の波及効果を監視して最小化する」と強調した。為替市場などに悪影響を与え過ぎないよう、日本の政策にクギを刺したと解釈できる。
Brazil, Mexico and other emerging economies are vigilantly watching excessive capital inflows and the strengthening of their currencies, which could follow the monetary easing measures of Japan, European countries and the United States. Their vexation may strengthen if the yen depreciates further.
ブラジル、メキシコなど新興国では、日米欧による金融緩和に伴う過剰な資本流入や、自国通貨高への警戒感が強い。円安がさらに進むと不満が高まりかねない。
For this reason, the government and the Bank of Japan need to exercise care as they carry out Abenomics to lead Japan out of deflation.
それだけに、政府・日銀はデフレ脱却に向け、アベノミクスの成果を着実に上げる必要がある。
===
Promote growth strategy
The government should not rely only on the yen's weakness. Instead, it must step up efforts to put together concrete measures for the growth strategy that it lists as one of its "three arrows." The other "arrows" are monetary easing and fiscal stimulation.
円安に頼るだけでなく、金融緩和と財政政策と並ぶ「３本の矢」である成長戦略についても、具体化を急がねばならない。
There is a growing belief in industrial circles that the recent weakening of the yen represents nothing more than a slight correction of its exchange rates that rose to historically high levels and that the currency remains relatively strong.
産業界などでは、最近の円相場は、歴史的な超円高がやや是正されたに過ぎず、まだ相当の円高だという見方が出ている。
It is essential for the government and the central bank to call on other countries to understand Japan's situation. But at the same time, Cabinet ministers and special advisers to the Cabinet must refrain from making comments on exchange rates that could affect the markets.
政府・日銀はそうした状況への理解を他国に求めることが大事だが、併せて、閣僚や内閣官房参与らは具体的な為替水準に言及する口先介入を慎むべきだ。
Bright signs have emerged for the world economy as the worst of the protracted European financial crisis appears to be over and the United States has avoided falling off its so-called fiscal cliff.
長期化した欧州危機が最悪期を脱し、米国の「財政の崖」もいったん回避されるなど、世界経済に明るい兆しが出てきた。
But the G-20 statement acknowledges that global economic growth is still too weak. This observation is quite natural. The G-20 economies face the heavy challenges of achieving growth and fiscal reconstruction at the same time.
だが、Ｇ２０声明が「世界の成長はまだ弱すぎる」と指摘したのはもっともだ。成長と財政再建の両立も各国の重い課題である。
Japan will have to expedite efforts to break away from deflation and achieve economic revitalization, thereby contributing further to the stabilization of the world economy.
日本はデフレ脱却と経済再生を急ぎ、世界経済の一層の安定に寄与することが期待される。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 18, 2013)
（2013年2月18日01時26分 読売新聞）
G-20 meeting failed to resolve cause of conflict
通貨安競争 対立の火種を残したＧ２０声明（2月18日付・読売社説）
Industrialized nations--including Japan, the United States and European countries--and China and other emerging nations have agreed to avoid "currency competition" in which currencies are guided lower.
自国通貨の為替レートを安く誘導する「通貨安競争」を避けることで、日米欧の先進国と中国など新興国が一致した。
It is laudable that the Group of 20 meeting in Moscow avoided naming Japan in connection with recent weakening of the yen, but it did not quench the underlying fire that could blaze up again into a new confrontation.
最近の円安に関し、日本が名指しの批判を回避できた点は評価できるが、対立が再燃する火種を残したと言えよう。
The meeting was attended by finance ministers and central bank chiefs from 20 principal economies.
主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）財務相・中央銀行総裁会議が、モスクワで開かれた。
Since its inauguration in December, the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has adopted an economic policy dubbed "Abenomics" that combines drastic monetary easing with flexible fiscal measures, but which has led to the rapid weakening of the yen. This was a focus of G-20 discussions because emerging and some other member countries suspect Japan intentionally induced a weakening of the yen.
安倍政権発足後、大胆な金融緩和と機動的な財政政策を組み合わせた経済政策「アベノミクス」が導入され、急速に円安が進んだことが焦点になった。新興国などから、「円安誘導策ではないか」という指摘が出ていたからだ。
The joint statement adopted by the G-20 economies stated they would refrain from "competitive devaluation" and "will not target our exchange rates for competitive purposes." No reference was made to Japan in this regard although it was a matter of concern.
採択された共同声明は、「通貨の競争的な切り下げを回避する。為替レートを競争力を高める目標にしない」と明記した。懸念された日本への言及はなかった。
Finance Minister Taro Aso, who also serves as deputy prime minister, denied Japan intentionally weakened the yen and explained that the government's aim was to lift Japan out of deflation. It seems his explanation won a certain degree of understanding.
麻生副総理・財務相が円安誘導策を否定し、「デフレからの早期脱却を目指す」という日本の政策目標を説明したことで、一定の理解が得られたようだ。
===
Oblique warning to Japan
Concerning monetary policy, the statement said it should be "directed only at price stability and economic recovery" and adverse impacts would be monitored closely and minimized. This could be interpreted as a warning to Japan that its economic policy should not adversely affect exchange and other markets.
ただし、声明は金融政策について、「国内の物価安定や経済回復に当てられるべきだ。負の波及効果を監視して最小化する」と強調した。為替市場などに悪影響を与え過ぎないよう、日本の政策にクギを刺したと解釈できる。
Brazil, Mexico and other emerging economies are vigilantly watching excessive capital inflows and the strengthening of their currencies, which could follow the monetary easing measures of Japan, European countries and the United States. Their vexation may strengthen if the yen depreciates further.
ブラジル、メキシコなど新興国では、日米欧による金融緩和に伴う過剰な資本流入や、自国通貨高への警戒感が強い。円安がさらに進むと不満が高まりかねない。
For this reason, the government and the Bank of Japan need to exercise care as they carry out Abenomics to lead Japan out of deflation.
それだけに、政府・日銀はデフレ脱却に向け、アベノミクスの成果を着実に上げる必要がある。
===
Promote growth strategy
The government should not rely only on the yen's weakness. Instead, it must step up efforts to put together concrete measures for the growth strategy that it lists as one of its "three arrows." The other "arrows" are monetary easing and fiscal stimulation.
円安に頼るだけでなく、金融緩和と財政政策と並ぶ「３本の矢」である成長戦略についても、具体化を急がねばならない。
There is a growing belief in industrial circles that the recent weakening of the yen represents nothing more than a slight correction of its exchange rates that rose to historically high levels and that the currency remains relatively strong.
産業界などでは、最近の円相場は、歴史的な超円高がやや是正されたに過ぎず、まだ相当の円高だという見方が出ている。
It is essential for the government and the central bank to call on other countries to understand Japan's situation. But at the same time, Cabinet ministers and special advisers to the Cabinet must refrain from making comments on exchange rates that could affect the markets.
政府・日銀はそうした状況への理解を他国に求めることが大事だが、併せて、閣僚や内閣官房参与らは具体的な為替水準に言及する口先介入を慎むべきだ。
Bright signs have emerged for the world economy as the worst of the protracted European financial crisis appears to be over and the United States has avoided falling off its so-called fiscal cliff.
長期化した欧州危機が最悪期を脱し、米国の「財政の崖」もいったん回避されるなど、世界経済に明るい兆しが出てきた。
But the G-20 statement acknowledges that global economic growth is still too weak. This observation is quite natural. The G-20 economies face the heavy challenges of achieving growth and fiscal reconstruction at the same time.
だが、Ｇ２０声明が「世界の成長はまだ弱すぎる」と指摘したのはもっともだ。成長と財政再建の両立も各国の重い課題である。
Japan will have to expedite efforts to break away from deflation and achieve economic revitalization, thereby contributing further to the stabilization of the world economy.
日本はデフレ脱却と経済再生を急ぎ、世界経済の一層の安定に寄与することが期待される。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 18, 2013)
（2013年2月18日01時26分 読売新聞）