2012年11月の記事
全38件 (38件中 1-38件目)
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「国防軍」 本質的な憲法論議に踏み込め
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 29, 2012)Step up constitutional debate on 'national defense force'「国防軍」 本質的な憲法論議に踏み込め（11月28日付・読売社説）The Liberal Democratic Party has pledged in its manifesto for the upcoming House of Representatives election that it will revise the Constitution to enable Japan to possess a national defense military force. This has emerged as a key issue in the coming election campaign. 自民党が政権公約で、「国防軍」を保持するとした憲法改正を掲げたことが衆院選の争点の一つに浮上してきた。At this juncture, each political party should wade into more fundamental discussions on revising the Constitution. 各党は、これを機に、より本質的な憲法改正論議に踏み込むべきである。Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda was quick to take a swipe at the LDP pledge. "I don't understand the significance of revising the Constitution to position the Self-Defense Forces as a military force, by venturing to change the name to a defense military force," he said. Noda's comments ignited a debate on this issue. 自民党の公約に対し、野田首相は「あえて国防軍と名前を変え、憲法を改正して位置づける意義が分からない」と発言した。これが論戦に火を付けた。LDP President Shinzo Abe countered Noda's criticism, saying the problem is that the SDF are regarded as a military force under international law, but they are not a military force according to the government's interpretation of the Constitution. Abe went as far as saying that if the SDF are not a military force, SDF personnel would not be handled as prisoners of war if they are captured. 自民党の安倍総裁は、自衛隊は国際法上、軍隊と見なされているのに、政府の憲法解釈では軍隊ではないとされていることこそが問題だと反論した。軍隊でなければ、万一の場合、自衛隊員は捕虜として扱われないとも言及した。We think Abe's point is quite reasonable. もっともな見解である。===Defining the SDFThe first paragraph of Article 9 of the Constitution stipulates the nation's renunciation of war. The second paragraph says, "In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained." Thus, it spells out that Japan will not possess military forces. 憲法９条は、第１項で戦争を放棄し、第２項で「陸海空軍その他の戦力は、これを保持しない」と戦力不保持を定めている。The LDP pledge mirrors a draft for revising the Constitution it announced in April when Sadakazu Tanigaki was the party's president. According to the draft, the first paragraph of Article 9 will be maintained, but the second paragraph will be deleted. The draft then stipulates the nation's maintenance of a "military force for defense," saying the preceding paragraph "does not prevent the country from invoking its right to self-defense." 自民党の公約は、谷垣総裁当時の４月に発表した憲法改正草案に沿ったものだ。草案は９条１項を継承する一方で、２項は削除した。その上で「自衛権の発動」を妨げるものではない、として「国防軍」の保持を明記している。It is only natural for the Constitution to clearly define the organization that will defend this country. We think it is time to end the ambiguity over the legal status of the Self-Defense Forces. 憲法に、自衛のための組織を明確に記すことは当然だ。自衛隊の法的な位置づけを巡る混乱に終止符を打つべきである。In 2004, The Yomiuri Shimbun proposed several revisions to the Constitution. One change we suggested was the maintenance of a "military force for self-defense." 読売新聞も２００４年の憲法改正試案で、「自衛のための軍隊」保持を盛り込んでいる。When Noda's Democratic Party of Japan was an opposition party, he himself said in his book that the SDF are "a military force to the eyes of foreign nations," and they "have to be clearly defined [as a combat force] in the Constitution." 首相自身、野党時代の自著で、自衛隊を「外国から見たら、日本軍だ」とし、「きっちり憲法の中で位置づけなければいけない」と主張しているではないか。We cannot understand why Noda recently made a statement that flew in the face of his own argument. 自らの持論を否定するような発言をするのは理解に苦しむ。===Noda rejecting own theoryIt is also problematic that the prime minister said such things as, "Does this mean Japan should transform the SDF into an organization that launches intercontinental ballistic missiles?" This is nothing but an electioneering tactic to affix a "hawk" label to the LDP under Abe and unnecessarily stir up voters' anxieties. 首相が自民党の公約について、「自衛隊を大陸間弾道弾を飛ばすような組織にするのか」などと発言しているのも問題である。安倍自民党に「タカ派」のレッテルを貼り、殊更に有権者の不安を煽(あお)ろうとする選挙戦術そのものだ。On the other hand, the previous DPJ manifesto's reference to planned discussions on revisions to the Constitution has vanished from its policy pledges for the coming election. This gives the strong impression that the party has retreated from its position three years ago, when it called for "free and unrestricted constitutional debate." 一方、民主党の新たな政権公約（マニフェスト）からは憲法改正に関する記載が姿を消した。「自由闊達(かったつ)な憲法論議を」とした３年前よりも後退した感が強い。Given that the DPJ initiated the latest debate over the "defense military force," it must present its policy for defining the SDF and the right to self-defense in the Constitution. 「国防軍」を巡る論戦を仕掛けた以上、民主党は憲法で自衛隊や自衛権をどう位置づけるのか、方針をまとめるべきだ。We hope the election campaign will feature lively debate on whether the right to collective self-defense can be exercised, and how the SDF should conduct its international activities. 衆院選では、憲法とも関連する、集団的自衛権行使の是非や、自衛隊の国際活動のあり方についても活発な論戦を期待したい。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 28, 2012)（2012年11月28日01時23分 読売新聞）
Nov 30, 2012
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韓国大統領選 対日・「北」政策を注視したい
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 28, 2012)How will S. Korea's presidential election affect ties with Japan?韓国大統領選 対日・「北」政策を注視したい（11月27日付・読売社説）South Korea's presidential election campaign has officially kicked off. Voting is scheduled for Dec. 19. 韓国大統領選が告示され、１２月１９日投開票へ向け、選挙戦に入った。Under the current Lee Myung Bak administration, the country's relations with North Korea and Japan have become severely strained. Will the new administration be able to rectify this situation? The outcome of the race will definitely affect Japan's future. 李明博政権で冷え込んだ北朝鮮や日本との関係は変わるのか。我が国にも影響を及ぼす重要な選挙だ。The election, the first in five years, is expected to be a virtual head-to-head battle between Park Geun Hye of the ruling Saenuri Party and Moon Jae In of the main opposition Democratic United Party. It has become a straightforward conservative versus liberal choice after independent Ahn Cheol Soo, who was considered a powerful rival, dropped out of the race. The contest is expected to be a neck-and-neck race. ５年ぶりの今回選挙は、与党セヌリ党の朴槿恵候補と、最大野党・民主統合党の文在寅候補による事実上の保革一騎打ちだ。有力候補とみられた無所属の安哲秀氏が告示直前に出馬を辞退したためで、接戦が予想されている。Park, representing the conservative camp, seeks to become the first female president of South Korea. Her father, Park Chung Hee, made the bold decision to normalize relations with Japan and paved the way for the nation's high economic growth during his presidency. 保守勢力を代表する朴氏は、初の女性大統領を狙う。父親は、日本との国交正常化に踏み切って韓国を高度経済成長路線に導いた故朴正煕大統領である。Moon, who represents leftists whose origins can be traced back to those who served in the Kim Dae Jung administration, was imprisoned for opposing Park Chung Hee's long authoritarian rule, and has served as a human-rights lawyer and chief secretary of former President Roh Moo Hyun--Lee's predecessor. 一方、文氏は金大中政権以来の左派の流れをくむ。かつて朴大統領の長期独裁に反対し、投獄された経験を持つ。人権派弁護士として活動し、盧武鉉前大統領の秘書室長を務めた。Although Park and Moon belong to the same generation, they have contrasting careers and their policies differ widely. We should pay close attention to their verbal battles. 同世代ながら対照的な経歴の２人は、政策の違いも鮮明だ。激しい論戦を注視したい。===Economic growth main issueThe campaign's main point of contention will be economic policy. 最大の争点は、経済政策だ。Lee has succeeded in significantly boosting South Korea's exports through economic policies based on free trade agreements with the United States, the European Union and other countries. However, his policies have also resulted in a widening rich-poor gap. Unemployment among the younger generation also has become a persistent problem. The South Korean public has strongly criticized Lee for only focusing on big companies. 李大統領は、米欧などとの自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）推進を軸に輸出を大きく伸ばしたが、富裕層と低所得者層の格差が広がった。若者の雇用難が続き、大企業だけを優遇したとの批判が強い。As a result, both candidates have pledged to narrow the rich-poor gap under the slogan of "economic democratization." Moon, for example, is focusing on reforming chaebols--South Korea's conglomerates--and placing more emphasis on helping ordinary workers. The two candidates will be tested on whether they can come up with concrete measures to ensure the nation's economic growth. 両候補が共に「経済民主化」で格差是正を掲げるのは、そのためだ。文氏は財閥改革や労働者重視に力点を置く。成長をどう確保するのか、具体策が問われよう。The second issue will be North Korea. 第二の争点は、対北朝鮮だ。Moon has said he will adopt the conciliatory "Sunshine Policy" that the Kim and Roh administrations used in dealing with North Korea, indicating that he was prepared to resume large-scale food and fertilizer aid to the reclusive country. Moon also has declared he wants to hold summit talks between Seoul and Pyongyang next year. 文氏は、金、盧両政権の対「北」融和政策の継承をうたい、食料や肥料の大規模支援を復活させる意向だ。来年に南北首脳会談を行うと宣言した。We would like to know how Moon plans to approach North Korea to have that country abandon its nuclear development program.核放棄をどう迫るのか、明らかにしてもらいたい。Park said she would not hesitate to hold a summit meeting if it led to better ties between the two countries. However, she is taking a gradual approach on the issue, which is to deter North Korea from taking provocative actions on one hand while working on confidence building on the other. We believe her approach is more practical than Moon's. 朴氏も「関係発展のためなら」首脳会談を辞さぬ構えだが、北朝鮮の挑発を抑止しつつ、信頼醸成に基づき関係を築く“漸進”主義だ。まだしも現実的と言える。===Concern over bilateral relationsThe two candidates' policies in regard to Japan are also important. 重要なのは対日政策である。Japan-South Korea relations deteriorated rapidly after Lee's visit to the Takeshima islands and his call for an apology from the Emperor. The two candidates are in favor of rectifying strained relations with Japan, as they have talked about building "future-oriented" ties between the two countries. Park has also referred to the resumption of FTA negotiations between Japan and South Korea. 李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。両候補は「未来志向」を口にし、修復に前向きではある。朴氏は、日韓のＦＴＡ交渉の再開にも言及している。However, Park and Moon both take uncompromising attitudes against Japan on certain issues, such as Takeshima. Moon's stance is especially worrying, as he says he will no longer allow Seoul to continue "quiet diplomacy" on the issue. He also suggested he will pursue Japan's legal responsibility on the issue of so-called comfort women if he becomes president. だが、竹島など特定の問題では厳しい立場のままだ。とくに文氏は、竹島問題で「これ以上、静かな外交はしない」と述べる一方、慰安婦問題でも日本政府の法的責任を追及する態度を見せる。We are concerned that if Moon takes office, he would emulate the diplomacy of the Roh administration, which took an unyielding hard-line stance against Japan and stalled relations between the two countries. 強硬一辺倒で日韓関係を停滞させた盧武鉉外交の再現になりかねない、との懸念は拭えない。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 27, 2012)（2012年11月27日01時12分 読売新聞）
Nov 29, 2012
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社会保障 持続可能な制度へ論戦深めよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 27, 2012)Parties must deepen debate on sustainable welfare system社会保障 持続可能な制度へ論戦深めよ（11月26日付・読売社説） ◇年金などの給付抑制が不可欠だPolitical parties must engage in policy discussions on how to build a sustainable social security system. 持続可能な社会保障制度をどう築くか、各党は現実的な政策を競い合うべきだ。The nation's population is aging quickly amid a chronically low birthrate. The present "cavalry-type" society in which every senior citizen is sustained by 2.4 people of the working population will change into a "piggyback-type" one in 30 years in which there will be only 1.3 people for every retirement-age Japanese. 少子高齢化が急速に進む。１人の高齢者を２・４人の現役世代で支える今の「騎馬戦型」社会は、３０年後には１人を１・３人で支える「肩車型」社会になる。If nothing is done to prevent this, the collapse of Japan's welfare system will only be a matter of time.このままでは社会保障制度は早晩行き詰まるだろう。 ◆一体改革の意義説明を◆To help reconstruct state finances while covering rising social security costs, the Democratic Party of Japan, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito joined hands to pass the bill on integrated reform of the social security and tax systems. The centerpiece of this bill was a planned doubling of the consumption tax rate. 増え続ける社会保障支出を賄い、財政を再建するため、民主、自民、公明の３党は消費税率の引き上げを柱とする社会保障と税の一体改革関連法を成立させた。People's Life First and some other parties, however, want the planned tax increase rescinded. Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), on the other hand, says the social security system should not be sustained with the consumption tax." This is a questionable argument. だが、国民の生活が第一などは消費増税の撤回を掲げている。日本維新の会は「消費税で社会保障を賄うのは不可」としているが、疑問だ。The DPJ, the LDP and Komeito need to elaborate on the significance of the welfare and tax system reforms during campaigning for next month's House of Representatives election.民自公３党は、衆院選で改革の意義を丁寧に訴える必要がある。It is disconcerting that every party tends to trumpet only support for increasing welfare benefits and lessening the burdens on the public as they try to pander to voters during the election campaign. 懸念されるのは、各政党が選挙戦で有権者の歓心を買おうと、社会保障給付の拡充や負担軽減ばかりを唱えがちになることだ。If welfare benefits are expanded without a clear objective, the inescapable result will be an endless rise in the consumption tax rate. 漫然と給付を拡大するなら、際限なく消費増税を続けなければならない。===Benefit outlays must be cutParties have a responsibility to explain how they will cap social security benefits. 社会保障給付の抑制策を提示することは、政治の責任である。The revised National Pension Law enacted during the recent extraordinary Diet session was aimed at reining in pension payments. This should be applauded. The law revision will ensure pensions that had been overpaid by 2.5 percent will return to originally set levels. 年金給付を抑制するため、臨時国会で、改正国民年金法が成立したことは評価できる。２・５％の過払いとなっている給付が、ようやく本来の水準に戻される。To ensure pensions can be stably provided, payment levels must be lowered further in accordance with the shifting demographics and changes in wages. 年金財政の安定には、人口や賃金の変動に合わせて、年金水準をさらに引き下げる必要がある。Given the declining working population and erosion in wage levels caused by the sluggish economy, workers who pay pension premiums are shouldering heavier financial burdens. This will widen the generational gap in pension payments and make it inevitable that younger generations will receive smaller payments compared with their contribution of premiums and taxes. This will make it difficult to maintain the pension system. 労働力人口の減少や、不況に伴う賃金水準の低下で、年金保険料を納める現役世代の負担は重くなる一方だ。保険料や税の負担に比べ、給付が若い世代ほど少なくなる「世代間格差」が拡大し、制度の維持は難しくなる。We urge the parties to also discuss how to expand the application of the corporate employees pension plan to nonregular workers, who have been increasing sharply, and what can be done for people who receive small pensions or none at all. 急増する非正規労働者に対する厚生年金の適用拡大や、低年金・無年金者対策についても論じてもらいたい。In its effort to overhaul the pension system, the DPJ calls for establishing a guaranteed minimum pension payment. If this minimum monthly payment of 70,000 yen is to be covered by tax revenue, the consumption tax will have to be increased by up to another 6.2 percentage points. The likelihood that this proposal will be implemented is low. 民主党は年金制度を抜本的に見直そうと「最低保障年金」の創設を提唱している。だが、民主党が従来「月７万円」としてきた給付額を税財源で賄うと、消費税をさらに最大６・２％引き上げる必要があり、実現性に乏しい。The draft of the DPJ campaign platform for the upcoming election does not mention any concrete figure for the minimum pension payment, apparently a reaction to the criticism it received on this issue. 今回の衆院選の政権公約（マニフェスト）原案に給付額の記載がないのは、こうした批判を意識したためだろう。On the other hand, the LDP and Komeito want the current system maintained, but neither has shown enough concrete steps to keep it intact. 一方、自民、公明両党は現行制度の維持を主張しているが、そのための具体策は十分ではない。We urge each party to present its vision for the public pension system and ways to improve it. 各党は、年金の将来像と制度の改善策を示すべきだ。===Health insurance facing crisis ◆危機的な健康保険財政◆As baby boomers will be 75 or older in 2025, demand for health and nursing care will rise. It can safely be said that the improvement of at-home medical and nursing care and the upgrading of nursing care facilities are needed urgently. 団塊世代が７５歳以上の後期高齢者となる２０２５年に向けて、医療や介護の需要は増大する。在宅医療・介護サービスの拡充や、介護施設の整備は急務と言える。The DPJ asserts that the medical insurance system for elderly people 75 or older should be abolished, and people in this age group transferred to the national health insurance program. 民主党は、後期高齢者医療制度を廃止し、７５歳以上の高齢者は国民健康保険に移行することを主張している。But this medical insurance system has taken root, and there is little need to ax it. だが、この制度は既に定着しており、廃止の必要性は希薄だ。The LDP claims "the current system will be the base" of its plans. But some points need to be corrected. 自民党は「現行制度が基本」としているが、改めるべき点はあろう。Due to the sizable contributions paid to the medical insurance system for the elderly, the finances of health insurance programs have fallen into a critical state. One such case is the National Health Insurance Association, which chiefly covers workers at small and midsize companies and their families.高齢者医療への巨額の拠出金で、協会けんぽなどの健康保険財政が危機に陥っている。Each party needs to think harder about how the current system can be reviewed. 各党は制度の見直しに、もっと知恵を絞る必要がある。Time is of the essence for abolishing a special measure limiting out-of-pocket payments for medical bills people aged 70 to 74 pay to 10 percent of the total, and raising the limit to 20 percent as prescribed by law. ７０～７４歳の医療費の窓口負担を１割に抑える特例措置をやめ、法律の規定通り２割負担に引き上げることも懸案だ。Medical costs have been creeping up partly because elderly patients often have medical consultations and checks at more than one institution and receive duplicate medication, and due to soaring dispensing fees. These costs must be brought down to reasonable levels. 複数の医療機関の受診や検査、投薬の重複、急増する調剤費など医療費の適正化も求められる。Nursing care services are also being provided to some people whose need for it is not so pressing. Issues that need to be discussed include whether the out-of-pocket burdens of nursing care service bills should be raised and making sure people who need these services most are given priority. 介護サービスは、現在は要介護状態ほど重くない要支援者も対象になっているが、今後は自己負担の引き上げや重度の要介護者への重点給付が検討課題になろう。
Nov 28, 2012
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エネルギー政策 「脱原発」の大衆迎合を排せ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 26, 2012)Parties should base N-policies on realism, not popular emotionsエネルギー政策 「脱原発」の大衆迎合を排せ（11月25日付・読売社説） ◆電力安定確保の観点で選択を◆How should Japan achieve a stable supply of power, which is indispensable for people's livelihoods and economic growth? Energy policies will become a major issue in the House of Representatives election to be held Dec. 16. 国民生活と経済成長に不可欠な電力をどのように安定的に確保するか。衆院選でエネルギー政策は大きな争点となる。Nuclear power policies by the ruling and opposition parties have come under the spotlight due to the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant following the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami. 東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故を受け、各党の原発政策が注目される。It will be difficult to resolve many issues facing Japan, a country poor in natural resources, if the nation is divided simply between two camps--those seeking the abandonment of nuclear power and those wanting to keep it. All parties should hold in-depth discussions on the issue from various points of view, ranging from the economy and employment to the global environment and nuclear nonproliferation. 「脱原発」か、否か、という単純な二項対立では、資源小国・日本の諸課題を解決できない。各党は景気や雇用、地球環境、核不拡散など多角的な視点から、地に足の着いた論戦を展開すべきだ。 ◆無責任な民主党の公約◆The Fukushima crisis has resulted in the public becoming increasingly anxious over the safety of nuclear reactors. The government has to take all possible measures to boost their safety and prevent a similar crisis from occurring. 福島の事故で原発の安全に対する国民の不安は高まった。原発の安全性を向上させ、再発防止に万全を期さなければならない。Considering that Japan's self-sufficiency in energy stands at just 4 percent, it is unrealistic for the nation to immediately abandon nuclear power, which supplies about 30 percent of the nation's electricity. エネルギー自給率が４％の日本が、全電源の約３割を占める原発をただちに放棄するのは非現実的だ。The nation's system for supplying electricity--often described as the "lifeblood of the economy"--would be weakened if the government gets emotionally carried away by attempts to ditch nuclear power generation. Such a stance could create problems for the nation's economy in the future. ムードに流されて安易に脱原発に走れば、「経済の血液」である電力供給が弱体化する。日本経済の将来に禍根を残しかねない。In campaigning for the election, each party should be aware that Japan stands at a crossroads in making an important choice--so should voters in casting their ballots. 各党と有権者は、重大な選択の岐路に立っていることを自覚して選挙に臨む必要がある。It is a cause of concern that so many parties advocate denuclearization. We suspect they are just making policy promises that appeal to voters to win more support by taking advantage of people's anxiety over nuclear power generation. 懸念されるのは脱原発を掲げる政党が目立つことだ。国民の不安に乗じて支持拡大を狙う大衆迎合ではないか。===DPJ's irresponsible pledgeWhen compiling its manifesto for the upcoming general election, the ruling Democratic Party of Japan reportedly will include a target of "zero nuclear power plants" operating in the 2030s--a policy stated by the government's Innovative Strategy for Energy and the Environment. However, this strategy is flawed, because it fails to take into account the serious blow denuclearization would have on the nation's economy, and it is troubling that the DPJ would base a campaign pledge on it. 民主党は政府が「革新的エネルギー・環境戦略」で打ち出した２０３０年代の「原発ゼロ」を、政権公約（マニフェスト）に盛り込むという。経済への打撃を軽視した、欠陥だらけの「戦略」をそのまま公約するのは問題だ。Under the zero-nuclear power policy by the DPJ-led government, most nuclear power reactors' operations have remained suspended. Moreover, Japan's national wealth has been flowing out of the country at a rate of 3 trillion yen every year because of a surge of imports of liquefied natural gas and other fuel at a time when power suppliers are walking on a tightrope by operating aging thermal power plants at full capacity. 民主党政権の「脱原発路線」の影響で、ほとんどの原発が再稼働できていない。老朽化した火力発電所をフル稼働する綱渡りの中、液化天然ガス（ＬＮＧ）など燃料の輸入が急増し、年３兆円もの国富が流出し続けている。Japan's industrial hollowing-out is accelerating as more and more companies move their factories overseas. This has had a serious impact on the nation's employment. However, the DPJ has done insufficient soul-searching over its own political missteps in the electricity field. 工場が海外移転する産業空洞化も加速し、国内雇用は危機に直面している。民主党は自らの“電力失政”への反省が足りない。Shinzo Abe, president of the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party, has criticized the DPJ as "really irresponsible" by proposing a zero-nuclear power policy. It is reasonable for the LDP--as a party aiming to return to power--to make clear in its campaign platform that an LDP government would take responsibility in reactivating nuclear reactors once their safety has been scientifically proved. 自民党の安倍総裁は、民主党の「原発ゼロ」方針を「極めて無責任だ」と批判した。科学的に安全性が確認できた原発は政府が責任を持って再稼働させると明言したのは、政権復帰を目指す責任政党として妥当な姿勢である。However, the LDP's election platform states that the nation's energy source structure for mid- and long terms should be mapped out in the next 10 years. This shows it badly lacks a sense of urgency. 自民党の公約が、中長期的なエネルギー構成を１０年かけて決めるとしているのはスピード感に欠ける。The party must hammer out a clear-cut approach to effectively utilizing nuclear power generation. At the same time, it is essential to study ways to adequately dispose of radioactive waste.原発を有効活用する明確な方針を打ち出すべきだ。あわせて核廃棄物の処理について検討を進めることが欠かせない。Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), which showed how eager it was to form a "third political force" to take on the DPJ and the LDP when it merged with former Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara's Taiyo no To (The Sunrise Party), made the right decision by saying it would abandon its policy of "eliminating nuclear power generation altogether in the 2030s." 民主、自民の両党に次ぐ「第３極」を目指す日本維新の会が、石原慎太郎前東京都知事の率いる太陽の党と合流した際、「３０年代に原発全廃」の従来方針を取り下げたのは結構な判断だった。However, Ishin no Kai's new energy platform, which calls for nothing more than "building a new supply-demand framework of energy," is regrettably equivocal. だが、新たな政策が「新しいエネルギー需給体制の構築」というだけでは、あいまい過ぎる。===Renewable resources can't fill bill ◆再生エネ過信は禁物だ◆Other parties, such as People's Life First and the Japanese Communist Party, have argued for the immediate or early cessation of the nation's nuclear power generation. 一方、即時あるいは早期の原発ゼロを主張するのが、国民の生活が第一や共産党などである。Foes of nuclear power generation have insisted this country's need for electricity can be met without nuclear power plants on the ground that there was no blackout during the peak power consumption period in summer. Their argument, however, ignores such adverse consequences as the decline in the nation's production and hikes in electricity rates. 反原発派は夏のピーク時に停電しなかったため「原発なしで電気は足りる」と主張するが、生産停滞や電力料金の上昇などの悪影響を無視した的外れな見解だ。The parties calling for the abandonment of nuclear power generation lack sincerity if they fail to explain to the voters the negative impacts that would accompany such a move. 脱原発のマイナス面も率直に有権者に示して選択を求める誠実な姿勢が求められる。As alternative sources of energy, most parties have stressed the importance of such renewable energy sources as solar power and wind power. ほとんどの党は、原発の代替電源として太陽光や風力など再生可能エネルギーを挙げる。Although we would like to see the proliferation of such resources, renewable energy sources, with the exception of hydroelectric power generation, currently account for little more than 1 percent of the country's entire electricity output. It is far too optimistic to believe renewable energy sources would grow into a major source of electricity large enough in the near future to replace nuclear power generation. 再生エネの普及に期待したいが、水力を除けば全発電量の１％強にすぎない。すぐに原発に代わる主要電源に育つと見るのは甘すぎる。The dearth of electricity, at least for now, cannot help but be addressed by the augmentation of thermal power generation using such fuels as coal and LNG. 当面は石炭やＬＮＧなど火力発電の増強で対応せざるを得まい。It is nothing but an expedient, opportunist line of argument to advocate the abandonment of nuclear power while failing to mention such environmental problems as increases in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution due to an expansion of thermal power generation. 火力発電の増加による温室効果ガス排出や大気汚染など、環境問題に触れずに、「脱原発」を唱えるのはご都合主義である。The lessons left behind by the two "oil shocks" in the 1970s and early 1980s, in which Japan, heavily dependent on oil for power generation, could have faced blackouts. It is imperative to secure a wide range of energy alternatives, including nuclear power generation. 発電燃料を原油に頼り、停電の危機に陥った石油ショックの教訓は重い。原発を含む多様な電源の選択肢を持つことが大切だ。
Nov 27, 2012
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アジア経済連携 ＴＰＰテコに日本が主導せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 25, 2012)Japan should take lead in regional trade pactsアジア経済連携 ＴＰＰテコに日本が主導せよ（11月24日付・読売社説）New initiatives have been launched to create two huge free trade blocs in Asia. Japan will face a test as to whether it can work out a strategy to expedite such moves to boost its economic growth. アジアで新たに二つの巨大な自由貿易圏作りが動きだした。日本の成長促進へ、同時に推進する戦略が問われよう。In Phnom Penh, 16 countries--Japan, Australia, China, India, New Zealand, South Korea and the 10 members of Association of Southeast Asian Nations--announced the start of negotiations under a regional comprehensive economic partnership (RCEP). 日中韓と、東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）１０か国、インド、豪州、ニュージーランドの計１６か国がプノンペンで、包括的経済連携（ＲＣＥＰ）の交渉開始を宣言した。The 16 nations are scheduled to begin the negotiations in early 2013 and aim to conclude terms, such as on tariff cuts and partial liberalization of investment in the region, by the end of 2015. １６か国は２０１３年初めに交渉をスタートさせ、域内関税の引き下げや投資障壁の削減などについて１５年末までの妥結を目指す。The combined gross domestic products of the RCEP nations total 20 trillion dollars, accounting for 30 percent of the global economy. This trade initiative is based on a vision Japan proposed. It would be significant to create a free trade zone that would include new economic giants China and India. ＲＣＥＰは、国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の合計が２０兆ドルに達し、世界の３割を占める経済圏だ。日本が提唱してきた構想がベースになっている。経済大国に成長した中国とインドを含む自由貿易圏を構築するメリットは大きい。Hopes are high for the RCEP because the outcome of its negotiations could help Japanese companies expand their exports. The firms could also find it easier to develop international supply chains, which would link their production bases at home and in the RCEP region. This could pave the way for them to exploit Asia's dynamics to shore up their businesses. 交渉次第で日本企業の輸出拡大が期待できる。国内と域内の生産拠点をつないだ国際的なサプライチェーン（供給網）も整えやすくなる。アジアの活力を取り込むビジネス展開の道が広がろう。===Trilateral talks start next yearJapan, China and South Korea have also agreed to start trilateral free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations next year. 日中韓３か国は併せて、自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）の交渉を来年開始することでも合意した。Japan and China remain in a state of confrontation over the Senkaku Islands, while Japan's relationship with South Korea has become tense over the Takeshima islands. It is reasonable for the Japanese government to separate such territorial rows from trade issues and enter the negotiations, giving priority to the economy. We hope the government will seek early trade agreements. 日中は尖閣諸島、日韓は竹島を巡って対立しているが、領土問題を切り離し、経済優先で交渉に踏み出したのは妥当だ。早期合意を目指してもらいたい。The launch of negotiations under these two trade frameworks was apparently prompted by China's concerns. Beijing appears to be wary about the strategy of the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama to increase his country's influence in Asia by promoting the Trans-Pacific Partnership multinational free trade talks. 二つの枠組みで交渉開始が決まった背景には、中国の思惑がうかがえる。中国は、米オバマ政権が環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉を推進し、アジアでの影響力増大を図っていることを警戒しているからだ。To counter the TPP framework, which excludes China, Beijing has made its stance clear that it will push for the RCEP and the trilateral FTA, which do not involve the United States. 中国抜きのＴＰＰに対抗するためにも、米国が非メンバー国のＲＣＥＰや日中韓ＦＴＡを重視する方針を鮮明にしたと言える。Apart from these, China has also agreed to create a free trade bloc under a framework, called the Free Trade Area of Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), which comprises 21 members such as Japan, China and the Untied States. これとは別に、日中や米国など２１か国・地域は、地域全体をカバーするアジア太平洋自由貿易地域（ＦＴＡＡＰ）を将来的に実現する方針でも合意済みだ。===U.S., China rivalry to intensifyThe FTAAP has no clear prospects. In the meantime, the tug-of-war between the United States, which is focusing on the TPP, and China, which is attempting to make the RCEP central to the region's economic activities, is expected to intensify. ＦＴＡＡＰへの道筋は不透明だが、ＴＰＰを軸にする米国と、ＲＣＥＰを中心に据えたい中国との綱引きが活発化するだろう。Meanwhile, Japan has come under pressure over its trade policies. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has repeatedly said his government "will pursue the TPP, the FTA among Japan, China and South Korea and the RCEP at the same time." 問われるのは日本の通商政策だ。野田首相は「ＴＰＰ、日中韓ＦＴＡ、ＲＣＥＰを同時並行的に推進する」と繰り返している。First of all, Japan should speed up work to join the TPP talks as early as possible. The government then should use the TPP participation as a catalyst to proceed with negotiations for the RCEP and the trilateral FTA for the nation's benefit. We also hope Japan will win the terms it is seeking in the TPP negotiations. 日本はまず、ＴＰＰへの早期参加を急ぐべきだ。それを弾みにＲＣＥＰや日中韓の交渉を有利に進め、ＴＰＰ交渉でも自らの主張を反映できるようにしたい。Amid competition between the United States and China, Japan needs to take the initiative in forming economic partnerships in Asia while protecting its interests. 米中のせめぎ合いの中、日本の国益を守りつつ、アジア経済連携を主体的に作る必要がある。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 24, 2012)（2012年11月24日01時34分 読売新聞）
Nov 26, 2012
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自民党政権公約 国論二分の政策でも方向示せ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 24, 2012)Now is the time for the LDP to take courageous policy stands自民党政権公約 国論二分の政策でも方向示せ（11月23日付・読売社説）What lessons has the Liberal Democratic Party drawn from the past administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which lasted from September 2006 to September 2007, and its three years of being an opposition party? 安倍政権時代に得た教訓と、３年余りの野党暮らしの経験は、どう生かされているのか。Titled "We'll restore Japan," the LDP's platform for the Dec. 16 House of Representatives election includes a number of conservative policies reflecting the political leanings of Abe, who is once again the party's head. 「日本を、取り戻す。」と題した自民党の政権公約は、保守志向の「安倍カラー」が強い政策が目立つ。One key pledge involves creating a Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council, which was a primary, though eventually unrealized, goal of Abe's past administration. その一つが、安倍政権が取り組み、挫折した「国家安全保障会議」（日本版ＮＳＣ）の設置だ。The country's national security environment has become increasingly severe in the face of China's rapid military buildup and North Korea's nuclear weapons program. Some mechanism to allow the country to cope rapidly with emergencies by blueprinting a comprehensive set of strategies is urgently needed. 中国の急速な軍備増強や北朝鮮の核開発など、日本を取り巻く安保環境は厳しさを増している。 首相官邸を中心に、総合戦略を立案し、緊急事態に即応できる体制を整える必要がある。We see the proposal to create something like the NSC to serve as a control tower for coordinating diplomatic and security policy, which should be crafted so the Prime Minister's Office plays a central role, as entirely reasonable.そのために外交・安保政策の司令塔を創設することは理解できる。===Bold stand on security, educationWe also support the LDP platform's calls for creating a "Basic Law on State Security" that would enable the nation to exercise its right to collective self-defense. 集団的自衛権の行使容認を掲げて、「国家安全保障基本法」制定を明記したことは評価したい。This is a long-standing problem, and resolving it would do much to bolster Japan's alliance with the United States, which was marred by the administration of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama.長年の懸案だけに、実現すれば、鳩山政権以降、傷ついた日米同盟を修復し、強化する一助になる。The LDP election platform also presents an education policy representative of Abe's political principles. 教育政策も安倍氏らしさを前面に打ち出した。The platform argues, "Due to the strong influence of Nikkyoso (the Japan Teachers' Union) on the Democratic Party of Japan, the DPJ will never be able to address the challenge of truly restoring the nation's education system." 「日教組の影響を受けている民主党には、真の教育再生はできない」と主張し、In terms of specific measures, the platform calls for changing the textbook authorization system to conform with the Fundamental Law of Education, which stipulates the principle of "love of country and community." It also calls for reviewing the board of education system.The education platform proposed by the LDP is sure to become one of the focal points of the election.「我が国と郷土を愛する」とした教育基本法に沿った教科書検定や、教育委員会制度の見直しなどを挙げた。選挙の主要な争点となろう。To stimulate the economy, the LDP platform advocates a basic law to "make Japan's territory resilient" to disasters, which would consist of a hefty package of antidisaster programs. 景気刺激策の一つとして、「国土強靱(きょうじん)化基本法」を定め、集中的に防災対策を進めるという。The DPJ has strongly criticized the LDP's proposed objectives, calling them "typical of the old style of pork-barrel public works projects."The LDP needs to respond to the DPJ's criticisms by clarifying its proposals, especially about how to balance public works projects with the need for fiscal discipline. この点について、民主党は「古いバラマキ型の公共事業だ」と批判する。財政規律との兼ね合いをどう図るのか、自民党は論戦の中で明らかにしてもらいたい。===Still muddy on nuclear powerRegarding the nation's idled nuclear power plants, the LDP platform calls for making judgments step by step, with the goal of solving the issue within three years. 原発の再稼働については、可否を順次判断し、３年以内に決着させるとしている。The party needs to explain in detail how bringing nuclear plants back online is indispensable to preventing hikes in electricity rates and ensuring a stable power supply.電気料金の高騰を抑え、電力を安定供給するためには再稼働が不可欠なことを国民に丁寧に説明する必要がある。The LDP's platform punted on the future make-up of the country's energy supply, only saying the party would "establish the best mix of electricity sources." Obviously, a more clear-cut path toward utilizing nuclear power is needed. 将来については「１０年以内には『電源構成のベストミックス』を確立する」とあるだけで、結論を先送りした。原発をどう利用していくのか、道筋を示すべきだ。Further, the platform's references to negotiations over the Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral trade pact are hardly sufficient. 環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への言及は、物足りない。Although Abe has stated that Japan's participation in the TPP talks "should be a matter of course if the national interests can be safeguarded," the party has backpedaled to its initial position of "opposing [the TPP] as long as negotiations are premised on the elimination of all tariffs without exception." 安倍氏は「国益が守られれば、交渉は当然だ」と明言したのに、公約は「聖域なき関税撤廃を前提にする限り、交渉参加に反対する」と従来の見解通りにとどめた。How long will the LDP believe it is acceptable to retain this irresponsible attitude as an opposition party over this issue? The party needs to move in a new direction that promotes participating in the TPP negotiations. いつまで野党気分でいるつもりなのか。ＴＰＰ推進の方向にカジを切るべきである。The LDP must have the courage to present clear, unequivocal policies, even if they carry the risk of splitting public opinion. 自民党は、国論を二分する政策についても明確な方針を打ち出さねばならない。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 23, 2012)（2012年11月23日01時49分 読売新聞）
Nov 25, 2012
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barack obama victory speach
バラク・オバマ米大統領、再選のスピーチ 英語全文2012年11月7日（水）20:45Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. ありがとう、ありがとう。本当にどうもありがとう。Tonight, more than 200 years after a former colony won the right to determine its own destiny, the task of perfecting our union moves forward. It moves forward because of you. It moves forward because you reaffirmed the spirit that has triumphed over war and depression, the spirit that has lifted this country from the depths of despair to the great heights of hope, the belief that while each of us will pursue our own individual dreams, we are an American family, and we rise or fall together as one nation and as one people. 元植民地が自分たちの宿命を自ら決める権利を勝ち取ってから200年以上たったこの夜、この国の団結をより完成させるための仕事が、さらに前に進みます。前進するのは、皆さんのおかげです。戦争や恐慌に打ち勝った心を、皆さんが再確認してくれたからです。この国を深い絶望の淵から素晴らしい希望の高みへと引き上げてくれた心のことです。私たちがそれぞれに個人の夢を追求する一方で、私たちはみな同じアメリカの家族なのだと。私たちはひとつの国、ひとつの国民として一緒に浮きも沈みもするのだという、信念のことです。for more details,英字新聞Editorial： オバマ大統領賛同特別企画barack obama victory speachバラク・オバマ米大統領、再選のスピーチ 英語全文http://srachai.dreamlog.jp/archives/5125445.html
Nov 24, 2012
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Life is simple; enjoy yours!
for iPhone, AndroidRoulette Game Blackjack Game Slots Game
Nov 23, 2012
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米・ミャンマー 関係強化は中国へのけん制だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 22, 2012)Japan, U.S. must join hands to aid Myanmar's reform drive米・ミャンマー 関係強化は中国へのけん制だ（11月21日付・読売社説）Recently reelected Barack Obama on Monday became the first serving U.S. president to visit Myanmar, a historic move in line with the U.S. strategy of attaching greater importance to Asia. 再選を果たしたオバマ米大統領が、現職大統領として初めてミャンマーを訪れた。After meeting Myanmar President Thein Sein, Obama stressed the United States would support reform in the Southeast Asian nation, saying, "A process of democratic and economic reform here in Myanmar that has been begun by the president is one that can lead to incredible development opportunities." 米国の「アジア重視」戦略に沿った歴史的な訪問である。 オバマ大統領はテイン・セイン大統領との会談後、「民主化と経済改革は驚くべき発展をもたらすだろう」と述べ、改革支援の立場を強調した。Obama also met with Aung San Suu Kyi, president of Myanmar's largest opposition party, and applauded her efforts in leading the pro-democracy movement.最大野党党首のアウン・サン・スー・チー氏とも会い、民主化努力をねぎらった。Myanmar was subject to tough economic sanctions imposed by Europe and the United States for many years while it suppressed human rights under the junta's rule. ミャンマーは軍政時代の人権弾圧などを理由に、欧米から長年にわたり経済制裁を受けてきた。But since the change to democratic rule in spring last year, the Myanmar government led by President Thein Sein has made steady efforts to promote democracy. Given this, the Obama administration has relaxed sanctions in phases since the start of this year. As a result, relations between the two countries have improved rapidly. しかし、昨春の民政移管以来、テイン・セイン政権が民主化を着実に進めたことから、オバマ政権は今年に入り、制裁を段階的に緩和した。ミャンマーとの関係改善は急速に進んでいる。===A bulwark against ChinaThe United States went ahead with Obama's trip to take ties to a new level. The visit can also be regarded as a check against China, which has been expanding its military and economic presence. China cozied up to junta-ruled Myanmar, thereby boosting its influence over that country. 米国が大統領の訪問で新生ミャンマーとの関係強化へ一段と踏み込んだのは、中国をけん制する狙いもあろう。軍事、経済両面で膨張する中国は、軍政時代のミャンマーと関係を強め、その影響力を増大させてきた。That Obama chose Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand as the first countries to visit after his reelection is significant. オバマ大統領が再選後初の歴訪先として、ミャンマーをはじめカンボジア、タイを選んだ意義は小さくない。By doing so, Obama sent a strong message that he will seek, in his second term too, to deepen cooperative relations with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in both economic and security fields. 政権２期目も、経済、安保ともに東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）各国との連携を深めていくという強力なメッセージだ。China will certainly be stewing over the U.S. move. It seems inevitable that Washington and Beijing will intensify their tug-of-war over Myanmar. 米国の動きに中国も内心穏やかではないはずだ。ミャンマーを巡る米中両国の綱引きが激化するのは避けられないだろう。The United States plans to provide Myanmar with about 13.7 billion yen over the next two years to assist its education and democratization programs. We hope the Thein Sein administration will use this U.S. support as a springboard to further promote reforms in various fields. 米国はミャンマーの教育や民主化の支援に、今後２年間で約１３７億円を提供する方針だという。これを弾みに、テイン・セイン政権には、多方面で改革を一層進めてもらいたい。===Crucial moment aheadMyanmar will chair ASEAN in 2014. The country will face a crucial moment in its economic reconstruction as it seeks to shake off its status as the poorest nation in ASEAN. The road to further democratization likely will be bumpy. It will not be easy to reconcile with minority ethnic groups that still are at odds with the government. ミャンマーは２０１４年にＡＳＥＡＮ議長国を務める。域内最貧国脱却への経済再建はこれからが正念場だ。一層の民主化には曲折も予想される。対立が続く少数民族との和解も容易ではない。Tokyo and Washington must work together to support democratization and economic reform in Myanmar. In October, Japan hosted a conference of industrialized nations and the World Bank in Tokyo, where arrangements for assistance to Myanmar were set. 日本や米国は協調してミャンマーの民主化や経済改革を支えていく必要がある。１０月には日本が主導して、先進国と世界銀行などによる支援国会合が東京で開かれ、国際社会の支援体制も整った。In his meeting with Thein Sein in Phnom Penh, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda announced his government plans to offer yen credits to the tune of 50 billion yen next year. 今回、野田首相はプノンペンでテイン・セイン大統領と会談し、５００億円規模の円借款を来年実施する方針を伝えた。Myanmar can become a new production base for Japanese firms. The Japanese government, for its part, must expedite its assistance to expand that country's economic infrastructure. ミャンマーは、日系企業の新たな生産拠点となり得る。日本政府としても、経済基盤の整備への支援を急ぐべきである。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 21, 2012)（2012年11月21日01時50分 読売新聞）
Nov 22, 2012
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Nov 22, 2012
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衆院選主要な争点 日本の国家像を具体的に語れ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 21, 2012)Political parties must spell out their visions for Japan衆院選主要な争点 日本の国家像を具体的に語れ（11月20日付・読売社説） ◆現実的な経済再生策が問われる◆Japan stands at a crossroads. The direction it takes will be critical to determining whether Japan can remain one of the world's leading nations. 日本は今、「一流国」であり続けることができるかどうかの重大な岐路に立っている。As political gridlock continues and the economy staggers along, the people's sense that the country is stagnating has been growing. How can the nation overcome this situation? 「決められない政治」が続き、経済も低迷する中、国民の閉塞感は強まるばかりだ。どう乗り越えていくか。During the upcoming House of Representatives election campaign, we urge each party to present the course they want Japan to pursue and a new "vision" for this nation. Each party then needs to provide voters with detailed policy proposals based on these ideas. 衆院選で各党は、日本の針路と新たな「国家像」を提示すべきだ。それを踏まえて有権者に具体的な政策を訴える必要がある。===How to overcome deflation? ◆デフレ脱却への方策は◆In his book, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano pointed out that the nation must wake up from its dreamlike "growth illusion" and face up to reality. Edano argues that Japan, which has become a mature society, can no longer expect growth to just happen. Even maintaining Japan's economic vigor is not an easy task, he says. 枝野経済産業相は著書で、「成長幻想」という夢から覚めて、現実と向き合うべきだと指摘する。成熟社会となった日本ではもはや成長は望めず、経済の活力維持さえ容易ではないという見解だ。Behind the failure of the Democratic Party of Japan-led administration to hammer out an effective growth strategy and economy-boosting measures, we suspect "pessimism" like Edano's is rooted in people's minds. 民主党政権で有効な成長戦略や経済対策が打ち出せなかった背景には、枝野氏のような“悲観論”が根強いこともあるのではないか。But if economic sluggishness and deflation continue, which leads to negative growth, it might further hollow out the nation's industry and shake the foundation of social security systems and national security. だが、マイナス成長に陥るような景気低迷とデフレが続けば、産業が空洞化し、社会保障や安全保障の基盤が揺らぎかねない。Consequently, we believe it essential for the nation to pursue stable growth and enhance its international competitiveness so it can maintain its national strength. だからこそ、安定成長を追求し、国際競争力を高めることが、日本の国力の維持には不可欠である。How to overcome deflation, reignite the economy and rectify disparities are probably the issues of most interest to people ahead of the election. いかにデフレから脱却し、経済再生や格差是正を図るかは、国民の関心が最も高い争点だろう。Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe has said his administration, if realized, would work closely with the Bank of Japan in policy coordination to implement bold monetary easing measures. He also said the LDP-led administration would reinvigorate regional economies by "improving infrastructure to serve as investment for the future." 自民党の安倍総裁は、日銀との政策協調で大胆な金融緩和に取り組むとともに、「未来への投資となるインフラ整備」で地域を活性化させていくと語った。Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda had few kind words for the LDP plan, saying, "I don't think Japan can be revitalized through a policy of promoting lavish public works projects." Instead, he again trumpeted his government's revitalization strategy aimed at fostering new markets in such fields as the environment and medicine and creating jobs. 野田首相は、「公共事業をばらまく政策で日本が再生するとは思えない」と自民党をけん制する一方、環境や医療などを中心に新たな市場と雇用の創出を目指す再生戦略を強調している。But this strategy has so far produced little. The DPJ should present more convincing economic measures. ただ、これまで戦略の成果は乏しかった。民主党は説得力のある経済対策を打ち出すべきだ。Japan's future will be swayed by whether it participates in the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade framework to harness the vigor of rapidly growing Asian economies. The DPJ and Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) are set to vocally support joining the TPP talks. 急成長を遂げるアジアの活力を取り込むため、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）に参加するかどうかは、日本の将来を左右しよう。民主党、日本維新の会などは積極的に推進する構えだ。===TPP, nuclear energy key issues ◆ＴＰＰと原発がカギ◆The LDP has taken a cautious stance on the TPP. It opposes the nation's participation in TPP negotiations as long as the pact is premised on the elimination of all tariffs "without sanctuary." But Abe, stressing the LDP's bargaining leverage, is poised to shift to a stance that supports participation in the talks. This change of tack is reasonable since the party seeks to return to power. 自民党は「聖域なき関税撤廃を前提にする限り、交渉参加に反対」と慎重な姿勢をとってきたが、安倍氏は自民党の「交渉力」を強調し、交渉参加へカジを切ろうとしている。政権復帰を目指す以上、当然の軌道修正である。In preparation for further market liberalization, deeper discussions should be held on how to strengthen the international competitiveness of Japan's agricultural sector. 一層の市場開放に備え、農業の国際競争力を強化する方策についても議論を深めねばならない。Deciding on an energy policy--especially what to do with the nation's nuclear power plants--also will be essential in designing Japan's future. 原発・エネルギー政策も日本の将来像と直結する重要政策だ。The DPJ has declared a policy of achieving "zero nuclear power generation" by the 2030s. 民主党は２０３０年代に「原発ゼロ」を目指す方針を掲げた。However, it is naive to expect that renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, will smoothly become more widely used. Japan's trade deficit has reached a record high, partly due to increased costs for fuel for thermal power generation as a substitute for idled nuclear reactors. It seems unavoidable that electricity charges will be raised further. だが、太陽光、風力など再生可能エネルギーの普及に過大な期待は禁物だ。原発を代替する火力発電の燃料費増で日本の貿易赤字は過去最悪の水準に膨らんだ。電気料金の値上げは避けられまい。There also are fears that abolishing nuclear plants will lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions, which will have an adverse impact on the environment. 温室効果ガスの排出増による環境への悪影響も懸念される。It is irresponsible to tout the "zero nuclear" policy without showing a concrete path to achieve this goal. The business world and the United States, which concluded a nuclear energy cooperation agreement with Japan, have expressed strong concern over the nation's energy policy. 「原発ゼロ」への具体的な道筋を示さなければ無責任だ。経済界や日本と原子力協定を結ぶ米国なども強い懸念を示している。On this point, we applaud the LDP for declaring it will "act responsibly" to restart idled nuclear plants after it returns to power. We urge the party to reveal its medium- to long-term energy policy as well. 自民党が、原発の再稼働を「政府が責任を持って」進めるとしている点は評価できる。中長期的な政策も明らかにすべきだ。Integrated reform of the social security and tax systems will also be a major issue in the election, as some parties have called for the consumption tax increase to be annulled or frozen. 社会保障と税の一体改革も、消費税率引き上げの凍結や撤回を主張する政党が少なくない以上、大きな争点である。Under the law on the integrated reform, which was enacted through concerted efforts by the DPJ, LDP and New Komeito, the consumption tax rate will be raised from 5 percent to 8 percent in April 2014, and to 10 percent in October 2015. 民主、自民、公明の３党を中心に成立させた一体改革法は現行５％の消費税を１４年４月に８％、１５年１０月には１０％に引き上げる。In our view, parties are just pandering to the public if their objective is only to prevent the consumption tax from being raised. They need to clarify how else they could fund social security costs, which are increasing by 1 trillion yen every year, and rebuild the nation's finances. 単なる増税反対なら、大衆迎合にほかならない。毎年１兆円前後も増え続ける社会保障費を賄い、財政を再建する手立ても明らかにすることが求められる。In its campaign manifesto for the Dec. 16 election, Komeito included a pledge to introduce a reduced consumption tax rate for daily necessities to alleviate the burden the tax hike would impose on low-income earners. We believe this reduced rate issue also might become a major topic during the campaign. 公明党は政権公約（マニフェスト）に消費増税に伴う低所得者対策として軽減税率導入を掲げた。有力な論点になろう。
Nov 21, 2012
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Nov 21, 2012
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「第３極」 政策のあいまいさ放置するな
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 20, 2012)Ishin no Kai must clarify policies to vie with DPJ, LDP「第３極」 政策のあいまいさ放置するな（11月19日付・読売社説）If a new party aspires to become a third major force in national politics and take on the two main parties--the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party--it will need to present clear proposals for addressing this nation's challenges. 民主、自民の２大政党に続く「第３極」を目指すなら、日本が直面する課題について明確な政策を掲げる必要がある。Former Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara's Taiyo no To (The Sunrise Party) has decided to merge into Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), led by Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto. The new party will be led by Ishihara, with Hashimoto as acting leader. 石原慎太郎前東京都知事が率いる太陽の党は、橋下徹大阪市長を代表とする日本維新の会への合流を決めた。 石原氏が代表、橋下氏が代表代行に就く。Hoping to capitalize on the high name recognition of both Ishihara and Hashimoto, Ishin no Kai is looking to fare well in the upcoming House of Representatives election, not only in proportional representation blocs but also in single-seat districts where large parties are seen as holding an advantage. 知名度の高い石原、橋下両氏が組む相乗効果で、衆院比例選だけでなく、大政党に有利な小選挙区でも議席確保を見込んでいる。However, the two parties' merger was announced abruptly after Ishihara dropped an already announced plan to join forces with tax-slashing Genzei Nippon. The move thus smacks of a mutual-aid deal designed only to win the election. ただ、石原氏は、いったん発表した減税日本との合流を白紙に戻すなど、動きが慌ただしい。「結集ありき」のような選挙互助会的政党には疑問を禁じ得ない。===Accord full of problemsThe policy agreement put together by Ishin no Kai and Taiyo no To is fraught with problems. 維新の会と太陽の党がまとめた合意文書にも問題が多い。On nuclear power generation--a central issue in the election--the accord merely mentioned a need to set rules on safety standards. This likely was the result of disagreement between Ishin no Kai, which supports ending the nation's reliance on nuclear power in the 2030s, and Taiyo no To, which has been critical of the zero nuclear option. 焦点の原発政策に関しては、安全基準の「ルール構築」などにとどめた。「２０３０年代の原発全廃」を目指す維新の会と、脱原発には批判的な太陽の党の溝が埋まらなかったためだろう。We agree with Ishihara's assertion that nuclear power policy needs to be discussed from a multifaceted viewpoint that takes economic and industrial factors into consideration. A zero nuclear policy is unrealistic at this point. 石原氏が言うように、原発政策は、経済・産業への影響など、複合的な観点から議論する必要がある。今から「原発ゼロ」を掲げるのは非現実的だ。The proposal to make the consumption tax a local tax, a centerpiece of Ishin no Kai's platform, did make it into the agreement, although it was widely believed that Ishihara was less than enthusiastic about putting the consumption tax under local government control. If Ishihara has made an about-face, he needs to explain himself. 合意には、維新の会の看板政策とも言える「消費税の地方税化」が盛り込まれた。石原氏は地方税化に慎重だったはずなのに、政策をがらりと変えるのであれば、きちんとした説明が必要だ。Concerning the Senkaku Islands, the accord called for urging China to make its case before the International Court of Justice. We question whether this position amounts to Japan admitting there exists a territorial dispute with China. 尖閣諸島問題では、中国に国際司法裁判所（ＩＣＪ）への提訴を促す、とした。これでは、日本が領有権問題の存在を認めることにならないか疑問だ。Regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade framework, the accord "supports participation in the TPP negotiations but opposes entry if the talks show it is not in the national interest." This appears to be a blending of the pro-TPP stance of Ishin no Kai and the anti-TPP position of Taiyo no To. 環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）については「交渉に参加するが、協議の結果、国益に沿わなければ反対」とした。維新の会の推進論と、太陽の党の反対論を併記しただけのように見える。===A merger of convenience?Other parties have denounced the tie-up as "a merger of convenience without policy." Hashimoto has refuted this. "We are much closer [on policy matters] than other conventional parties are," he said. 橋下氏は、「政策抜きの野合」との他党の批判に対し、「既存政党に比べれば、はるかに一致している」と反論している。Even so, we worry that after the election, Ishin no Kai would be continually enveloped in chaos over internal policy differences, as has been the case with the DPJ. そうは言っても、民主党のように路線対立で混乱を繰り返すのではないか、懸念は消えない。Your Party has been lobbying to join forces with Ishin no Kai in next month's general election, also hoping to increase its national presence as a part of a third political pole. Furthermore, the People's Life First party is exploring ways to join hands with other parties by trumpeting its opposition to the planned consumption tax increase and its support of a zero nuclear policy. 「第３極」を目指して、みんなの党が維新の会との選挙協力を進めている。国民の生活が第一も、反消費増税、脱原発を掲げ、他党との連携を模索している。These are moves intended to sway non-affiliated voters, who have increased due to a decline in people's trust in politics during the three-plus years of the DPJ-led administration. 民主党政権下で政治不信が高まり、無党派層が増えたことを意識した動きだ。We urge political parties to avoid promoting policies aimed only at pandering to the people, and to sufficiently scrutinize their platforms.国民の歓心を買うような政策ばかりでは困る。政策の十分な吟味が必要である。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 19, 2012)（2012年11月19日01時30分 読売新聞）
Nov 21, 2012
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Nov 20, 2012
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民主党政権総括 政治の劣化を招いた「脱官僚」
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 19, 2012)Political system damaged by DPJ's aversion to bureaucracy民主党政権総括 政治の劣化を招いた「脱官僚」（11月18日付・読売社説） ◆一体改革法成立は歴史的成果だ◆The first thing the Democratic Party of Japan should do before the Dec. 16 House of Representatives election is review its past three years and two months in power. Can the DPJ do serious soul-searching on the plethora of issues it has mishandled and reflect the lessons learned in its campaign pledges for the upcoming election? 衆院選前にまず行うべきは、３年２か月に及ぶ民主党政権の総括だ。数々の失政を真剣に反省して、その教訓を新たな主張に反映できるのかが民主党に問われている。The public approval rating for the Cabinet of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama was as high as 75 percent when it was inaugurated after the 2009 lower house election. Public approval of the current administration of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has declined to just 24 percent, showing how the public's initial high expectations of the DPJ were dashed after the change of government. 読売新聞世論調査では、鳩山内閣発足時の支持率が７５％だったのに対し、現在の野田内閣は２４％。政権交代に対する国民の期待の大きさと失望の広がりを物語る。Under the DPJ government, the nation's politics have continued to suffer from confusion and stagnation, and this is not just because the Diet is divided. It is mostly because the party is incapable of managing the government. 民主党政権で政治の混乱と停滞が続いたのは、衆参ねじれ国会だけでなく、政権担当能力の未熟さに起因する部分が大きい。 ◆数々の失政を反省せよ◆This was symbolized by the DPJ's failed manifesto for the last general election. After reviewing its pledges, the party concluded that only 53 of them--including making tuition at public high schools free--had been implemented during its tenure. The figure represents only about 30 percent of the 170 original promises. その象徴が、政権公約（マニフェスト）の破綻だ。民主党自身の検証でも、１７０件の政策のうち実現できたのは、高校無償化など５３件、約３割にとどまる。The DPJ has many things to reflect on. Among its blunders, it was extremely optimistic to believe it could secure 16.8 trillion yen a year just through tweaking spending plans. It also suffered a setback in seeking to cancel construction of the Yamba Dam in Gunma Prefecture because it made the decision without consulting parties involved. 予算組み替えで「年１６・８兆円の財源確保が可能」とした甘い見通し、関係者との事前調整なしに掲げた「八ッ場ダムの建設中止」の挫折など、反省点は多い。The DPJ's misguided "politician-led policymaking" have caused the administration to repeatedly malfunction. 誤った「政治主導」は、政府の機能を大幅に低下させた。===DPJ should reflect on blundersIts budget screening initiative turned out to be nothing more than politicians playing to the gallery by bashing bureaucrats, and the process squeezed out only a limited amount of fiscal resources. 事業仕分けは、官僚たたきのパフォーマンスに過ぎず、捻出できた財源は限定的だった。Based on an opposition-like stance, the DPJ took a hostile of view of bureaucrats and shunned the bureaucracy in deciding and carrying out policies. This weakened both the political and bureaucratic systems because public servants only awaited instructions from ministers, and politicians were not informed of important matters. 野党的体質から官僚を敵視し、「脱官僚」を進めた結果、官僚は指示待ちになる一方、政治家には重要情報が入らず、政官双方の劣化を招いた。This problem became particularly apparent following the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami, when Prime Minister Naoto Kan's Cabinet failed to respond promptly. This caused confusion in helping the people in the disaster-hit areas and in dealing with the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.菅内閣での東日本大震災の被災者支援や原発事故対応の遅れと混乱が典型例だ。Politicians are supposed to fully utilize bureaucrats and try to bring out their best. 政治家は本来、官僚を使いこなし、その能力を最大限引き出すことにこそ、腐心すべきだ。When it comes to nuclear energy, the DPJ initially said operations of reactors should be resumed once their safety was confirmed. However, the party abruptly proposed an infeasible zero-nuclear power policy instead, and caused widespread confusion due to insufficient coordination with the United States and domestic local governments that host nuclear power plants. 当初は、安全性を確認した原発は活用するとしていたのに、場当たり的に非現実的な「原発ゼロ」方針を掲げ、米国や関係自治体との調整不足から迷走を重ねた。On the economic front, the DPJ could not propose an effective growth strategy even though it promised to revive the nation's economy. It also failed to work together with the business community. 経済再生を掲げながら実効性ある成長戦略を打ち出せず、経済界との足並みもそろわなかった。Under the slogan "from concrete to people," the government has slashed spending on public works projects from 7.1 trillion yen for fiscal 2009 to 4.6 trillion yen for fiscal 2012--a decrease that has battered local economies. 「コンクリートから人」のスローガンの下、政府の公共事業費は当初予算ベースで２００９年度の７・１兆円から１２年度の４・６兆円に減り、地方は疲弊した。Furthermore, because of other problematic policies such as those for budgetary handouts, the general account appropriations in the initial fiscal 2012 state budget have swollen to 96.7 trillion yen, including budgets for restoration from the Great East Japan Earthquake and related expenditures, from 88.5 trillion yen in fiscal 2009. 一方で、それ以外のバラマキ政策などによって、一般会計当初予算は、０９年度の８８・５兆円から１２年度は実質９６・７兆円（復興費などを含む）に膨張している。With the issuance of deficit-covering bonds having exceeded 30 trillion yen every year in recent years, government finances have deteriorated steadily as shown by the fact that the outstanding balance of government debts is expected to reach 709 trillion yen at the end of this fiscal year--a drastic jump from fiscal 2009's 594 trillion yen. 毎年３０兆円超の赤字国債発行により財政は一層悪化し、国債発行残高は５９４兆円から今年度末に７０９兆円に増える見通しだ。Former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa, meanwhile, has failed to take responsibility even after his former secretaries were found guilty in September 2011 of charges of violating the Political Funds Control Law, tarnishing the public's image of the DPJ as a clean party. 小沢一郎元代表は、元秘書３人が政治資金規正法違反で有罪になっても責任を取らず、民主党のクリーンなイメージを傷つけた。===
Nov 20, 2012
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衆院解散 問われる各党の公約と実行力
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 18, 2012)Political parties to be tested on their ability to deliver衆院解散 問われる各党の公約と実行力（11月17日付・読売社説） ◆「第３極」の真価を見極めたい◆The public's attention has recently been directed to whether the ruling Democratic Party of Japan will continue to lead the government or the two main opposition forces, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, will return to power. The focus has also been on the extent to which Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and other new political parties can expand their influence. 民主党を中心とする政権の継続か、自民、公明両党の政権奪還か。日本維新の会など新党がどれだけ勢力を伸ばすか。The upcoming House of Representatives election is expected to be critical as it could chart the course for the nation's future. 日本の将来を左右する極めて重要な衆院選となろう。On Friday, the lower house was dissolved. The general election is set for Dec. 16 with official campaigning to start Dec. 4. For all intents and purposes, the election battle has effectively kicked off. 衆院が１６日、解散された。衆院選は、１２月４日公示、１６日投開票の日程で行われる。事実上の選挙戦が始まった。In the election, the DPJ will be evaluated on its performance during its three-year rule by three prime ministers since Yukio Hatoyama. 今回の衆院選では、まず鳩山内閣以来３代、３年にわたった民主党政権の実績が問われる。===Noda recognized for bold acts ◆民主党に不利でも決断◆During the 2009 lower house election campaign, the potential for a change in government was high, and the DPJ earned a stunning victory. But many voters appear to be suffering from the present political disorder and a decision-making stalemate as result of the party's win. ２００９年衆院選では「政権交代」ムードが先行し、民主党が大勝した。その結果もたらされた国政の混乱と停滞を多くの有権者が痛感したのではないか。There are plenty of issues that the DPJ has mishandled. These include diplomatic missteps by the Hatoyama Cabinet when it pursued politician-led handling of state affairs in the wrong way and the ineptitude of Naoto Kan's administration in addressing the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. 誤った政治主導を振りかざした鳩山内閣の外交迷走、菅内閣の原子力発電所事故対応の不手際など、失政の具体例には事欠かない。At a press conference Friday, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said: "I previously said I would ask for a public mandate once the integrated reform of the social security and tax systems was achieved. I dissolved [the lower house] to fulfill this promise." 野田首相は記者会見で、衆院解散の目的について「社会保障と税の一体改革を実現した暁には、近いうちに信を問うと言った。その約束を果たすためだ」と説明した。It is indeed a historic accomplishment that the prime minister was able to pass integrated reform bills, which center on bills to raise the consumption tax rate, in the divided Diet, where the House of Councillors is controlled by the opposition. We can understand that he respected an agreement with the LDP and Komeito, which cooperated with Noda's party to enact the historic bills. 首相が、消費税率引き上げを柱とする一体改革関連法の成立を衆参ねじれ国会で実現したことは、確かに歴史に残る功績である。それに協力した自公両党との合意を大切にする姿勢は理解できる。We also applaud Noda for following through with the dissolution even though many of DPJ members, including Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi, opposed the breakup of the chamber and election prospects were dim for the party. 極めて選挙に不利な状況にありながら、首相が輿石幹事長ら党内の反対を押し切り、解散を断行したことも評価に値しよう。The public approval rating for Noda's Cabinet has also been declining. In a recent Yomiuri Shimbun survey, the rating plunged to 19 percent, the lowest since the Cabinet's inauguration in September of last year. Furthermore, DPJ members continue to leave the party, with no end in sight to the defections. 野田内閣の支持率は低迷し、読売新聞の世論調査では昨年９月の内閣発足以来、最低の１９％と危機的水準にある。民主党からの離党に歯止めがかからない。Noda said at the press conference Friday: "We have an ongoing political situation in which we are unable to make decisions. By dissolving [the lower house], I'd like to put an end to this evil practice." 一方で首相は、「決められない政治が続いてきた。その悪弊を解散で断ちたい」とも述べた。Regardless of the election outcome, the Diet will remain divided at least until next summer's upper house election, as no party holds a majority of seats in the chamber. To move politics forward, it is essential for parties to cooperate with one another or form a coalition. 衆院選の結果がどうであれ、参院で過半数の議席を有する政党はなく、少なくとも来夏の参院選までは衆参のねじれは解消しない。政治を前に動かすには、政党間の連携や連立が不可欠だ。===Interparty cooperation needed ◆民自公の協調は必要だ◆The increase in the consumption tax is only halfway complete based on the agreement by the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito. To achieve the intended reform of the social security and tax systems, the three parties are likely to be urged to maintain their cooperative stance after the election. 民主、自民、公明の３党合意に基づく消費増税は道半ばである。改革を成し遂げるためにも、選挙後、民自公協調路線を維持することが求められよう。A stable government with either of the two major parties at its center is needed most for Japan's revival. We consider it unfavorable to have a coalition government consisting of multiple parties since consensus building would be slow going. 日本の再生にとって最も必要なのは、２大政党のいずれかを軸とする安定した政権である。合意形成に手間取るような多党化は、好ましくない。However, several new parties, including Ishin no Kai and Taiyo no To (The Sunrise Party), recently have emerged one after another, aiming to become a third political force following the DPJ and the LDP. しかし、民主、自民両党に次ぐ第３極を目指そうと日本維新の会、太陽の党など新党が続々と誕生した。With the unprecedented number of more than 10 parties campaigning, efforts are also under way to unite them. The new parties aim to attract voters frustrated with established political parties.１０を超える党の乱立という異例の展開で、勢力結集へ模索が続く。既成政党への不満の受け皿になることを狙っている。Many former lower house members who have just lost their Diet seats due to the dissolution are quitting the parties they belonged to and joining new parties, in an apparent attempt to survive the upcoming general election. We must seek to find the true value of a potential third political force. 前議員が新党に走る動きは、生き残りのためではないか。第３極の真価を見極める必要がある。We expect each party to clarify its vision for the future of Japan and list its policies according to priority. 各党は、日本のあるべき「国家像」を明確にし、政策の優先度を示してもらいたい。The public has completely lost faith in the DPJ's manifesto made in the 2009 lower house election. The party's unfulfilled handout policy pledges, such as the child-rearing allowance of 26,000 yen per month and the abolition of expressway tolls, have failed to materialize due to a lack of financing. This has only led to an amplification of voters' distrust in politics. ０９年衆院選での民主党政権公約（マニフェスト）に対する信頼は失墜した。月２万６０００円の子ども手当や高速道路無料化など実現しなかったバラマキ政策は財源の裏付けを欠いていた。政治不信を増幅する原因になった。Parties must not repeat the mistake of competing with each other to win an election by making policy promises that appeal to voters, but which are unfeasible. 国民の歓心を買うため、実現性のない、大衆迎合の政策を競う愚を繰り返してはなるまい。In drafting new election pledges, parties should consider that a bill could fail without the cooperation of other parties in the divided Diet. Only setting deadlines for realizing election promises and other numerical targets is meaningless. 新たな公約の作成に際しては、ねじれ国会で、他党の協力なしに法案が成立しないことを考えるべきだ。政策の達成期限や数値目標だけを示しても、意味はない。Noda again stressed his policy to achieve zero nuclear power generation in the 2030s. 野田首相は、３０年代に「原発稼働ゼロ」を目指す方針を改めて強調した。The upcoming election will determine "whether the party aiming to depart from the nation's dependence on nuclear power or the party promoting the conventional energy policy will win," said the prime minister.「脱原発依存の方向感を持つ政党が勝つのか、従来のエネルギー政策を進める政党が勝つのかが問われる」と位置づけた。
Nov 19, 2012
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Nov 17, 2012
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衆院解散表明 首相の重い決断を支持する
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 16, 2012)Prime minister's gutsy decision deserves credit衆院解散表明 首相の重い決断を支持する（11月15日付・読売社説） ◆「１票の格差」是正を先行せよ◆Out of the blue, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda announced he will dissolve the House of Representatives. Amid simmering opposition to an early dissolution within his Democratic Party of Japan, Noda has put everything on the line in a bid to bring an end to the nation's political gridlock. 突然の衆院解散の表明だった。民主党内で早期解散への反対論が噴出する中、乾坤一擲(けんこんいってき)、中央突破を図ったのだろう。During a Diet debate with Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe on Wednesday, Noda said he would dissolve the lower house Friday if the opposition promises to pass a bill to reduce the number of lower house seats during next year's ordinary Diet session. 野田首相が党首討論で自民党の安倍総裁に対し、衆院の定数削減を来年の通常国会で実現すると確約すれば、「１６日に衆院を解散する」と言明した。Abe initially gave no clear response to Noda's offer. But after the debate and a meeting with senior LDP figures, Abe said, "We'll do our best to conclude the issue in the ordinary Diet session." This paved the way for the lower house to be dissolved Friday. 安倍氏は明言を避けたが、党首討論後、「通常国会で結論を得るべく全力を尽くす」と述べ、１６日の衆院解散が固まった。The lower house election is now set for Dec. 16 with official campaigning to start Dec. 4. 衆院選は、１２月４日公示―１６日投票の日程で行われる予定だ。===Prevent further distrust ◆政治不信の増幅を回避◆The public approval rating for Noda's Cabinet has been languishing for months, so the DPJ could suffer a crushing defeat in the election. However, we applaud the prime minister's sensible and weighty decision to dissolve the chamber for a general election. 内閣支持率が低迷しており、次期衆院選では、民主党の大敗も予想される。首相があえて解散・総選挙を断行することは、見識ある、重い決断と評価できる。In August, Noda expressed his intention to dissolve the lower house "sometime soon." If he had let the year end without settling the dissolution issue, questions would have been raised over the credibility of his remarks. That could have fueled public distrust with politics. ８月に「近いうち」の解散を表明しながら、何もせずに年を越すようでは、首相発言の信頼性に疑問符が付き、国民の政治不信が一段と高まりかねない。The prime minister apparently wanted to initiate the dissolution on his own terms, rather than having his hand forced. Noda also probably felt it was to his advantage to hold the election before Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and other smaller parties can unite and form a third major political force. 首相は、追い込まれる形でなく、主導権を持って解散を断行したい考えだった。日本維新の会など第３極の体制が整う前に、衆院選に臨む狙いもあろう。Noda's decision drew howls of protest from DPJ members who oppose the dissolution and currently dominate the party. They fear the dissolution could lead to a political vacuum. 民主党内の大勢を占める解散反対論者は、「解散は政治空白を招く」などと主張する。However, if Noda puts off tackling key policy issues and unnecessarily attempts to cling to power at a time when his administration is standing on shaky ground, the nation would end up confronting an even more serious political vacuum in both domestic and foreign affairs. しかし、野田政権の基盤が弱体化した中で、重要な政策課題を先送りし、いたずらに延命を図る方が、内政、外交両面で、より深刻な政治空白をもたらす。Some DPJ members who oppose Noda's decision are openly preparing to leave the party. Dissolving the lower house is a prerogative given to a prime minister. If DPJ members cannot accept their leader's decision, they have no choice but to walk away. 野田首相の解散方針に反発する民主党議員は公然と離党の動きを見せている。解散は首相の専権事項であり、首相の決断に従えない以上、離党はやむを得まい。Among people who assumed that the lower house would be dissolved within the year, concern grew as time passed that stalling on the dissolution would cause delays in formulating next fiscal year's budget and its enactment. 年内解散を前提にすれば、解散日程が遅れるほど、来年度予算の編成や成立もずれ込むことが懸念されていた。From the standpoint of staving off any negative impact on the economy that would inevitably arise if the budget were delayed, we consider Noda's setting the dissolution for Nov. 16--the earliest possible date--as reasonable.景気への悪影響を抑える意味でも、最も早い「１６日解散」は悪くない選択と言える。A new administration is certain to be launched by the end of this year. We want it to formulate the budget for the next fiscal year and deal with pressing issues, such as measures to shore up the nation's economy and revamp its diplomacy. 年内に発足する新政権が、来年度予算を編成し、景気対策や外交の立て直しなどの重要課題に取り組むことが望ましいからだ。Irrespective of whether it was acceptable for Noda to push Abe to accept conditions for the dissolution during their debate--like forcing him to step on a cherished picture in a "fumie" allegiance test from long ago--we support the prime minister's exercise of his right to dissolve the chamber without flinching, even while his own party is torn over the issue. 党首討論の場で、野党に「踏み絵」を踏ませるかのように、解散条件の受け入れを迫る手法の是非はともかく、野田首相が党内の反対論にひるまず、解散権を行使することは支持したい。===Trust among 3 parties crucial ◆民自公の信頼が大切だ◆The Diet likely will remain divided even after the upcoming election. Accordingly, it will be very significant if the DPJ, the LDP and the other main opposition party, New Komeito, can maintain a relationship of trust to some extent and build a cooperative framework. 衆院選後も、衆参のねじれ状況が続く可能性が高い以上、民主、自民、公明３党が一定の信頼関係を維持し、協力できる体制を構築しておく意義は小さくない。Although there is not much time before the lower house is broken up, the ruling and opposition camps should work together to tidy up some urgent issues. 解散までの時間は限られているが、与野党は協力して、喫緊の課題を処理すべきだ。The three parties have agreed to pass Friday a bill allowing the government to issue deficit-covering bonds. To avoid the depletion of state coffers, the parties must make sure the bill passes before the lower house is dissolved. 赤字国債の発行を可能にする特例公債法案は、民自公３党が１６日の成立で合意した。国庫が底をつかないよう、解散前に確実に成立させねばならない。Another crucial task is narrowing the disparity in the value of votes between the House of Representatives' most- and least-populated districts, thus putting an end to the electoral system's "state of unconstitutionality." 衆院選の「１票の格差」を是正し、「違憲状態」の解消を図ることも不可欠である。The DPJ should be blamed for not fulfilling its responsibility to seriously address the issue just because it wanted to postpone the dissolution. 解散を先送りする思惑から、この問題に真剣に取り組んでこなかった民主党の責任放棄の罪は大きい。The party still insists on handling two issues--reducing single-seat constituencies by five and cutting the number of seats in the proportional representation system--as a set.民主党は今なお、小選挙区の「０増５減」と比例定数削減の一体処理に固執している。This posturing appears to be a DPJ attempt to show its resolve to cut the number of lower house seats--a stance that will go down well with voters because it shows Diet members are willing to sacrifice themselves to save money before the consumption tax rate is increased. However, there is not enough time for the Diet to reach a consensus on this issue before the dissolution. 「消費税率引き上げ前に国会議員が自ら身を切る」ため、有権者受けのする定数削減に積極的な姿勢を示すポーズだろうが、解散前に結論を出すのは明らかに時間的に無理がある。To rectify the electoral system's unconstitutional state, the lower house should first pass a bill to reduce single-seat constituencies by five, and then rezone constituencies before holding a general election under the new system. This whole process, however, would take several months. 「違憲状態」の解消には本来、「０増５減」の法案成立後、小選挙区の区割り作業を経て、新しい選挙区で衆院選を行う必要があるが、それには数か月を要する。A more realistic option would be for the lower house to pass the bill before its dissolution and cut the number of seats in the proportional representation bloc and make other reforms during next year's ordinary Diet session. This is the minimum responsibility it should fulfill. 解散前に、まず「０増５減」の法案を成立させる。定数削減やその他の制度改革は来年の通常国会で実現する。これが現実的であり、衆院の最低限の責務だろう。If a general election was held without passing the electoral reform bill, judicial authorities might rule the election was unconstitutional and therefore invalid. Lawmakers must ensure this does not happen. 「０増５減」さえ見送ったまま衆院選を行った場合、「違憲」として、選挙無効とする司法判断が出かねない。そうした事態は回避しなければならない。
Nov 17, 2012
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Nov 16, 2012
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ＧＤＰマイナス 景気の失速回避に全力あげよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 15, 2012)All-out efforts needed to reverse business slowdownＧＤＰマイナス 景気の失速回避に全力あげよ（11月14日付・読売社説）The fall in the nation's gross domestic product for the July-September quarter should be considered a sign of business slowdown. The nation faces a crucial moment of determining whether the economy will be able to avoid weakening even further. 景気後退のサインとみるべきだ。日本経済の失速を回避できるかどうかの正念場である。The real-term GDP for the July-September period dropped 0.9 percent from the previous quarter, marking the first negative growth in three quarters. The slide translated into an annualized 3.5 percent decline. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda expressed a sense of crisis, saying, "It's a dismal figure." 今年７～９月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は前期比０・９％減と、３四半期ぶりのマイナス成長となった。年率に換算すると３・５％減で、野田首相は「厳しい数字だ」と危機感を示した。This contraction is attributable to two chief factors: the drop in foreign demand caused by the slowdown of foreign economies; and a fall in personal consumption and investment in plants and equipment that together account for core domestic demand. A boost in public investment for rebuilding from last year's earthquake and tsunami disaster stopped short of making up for the overall decline. 海外経済の減速に伴う外需の落ち込みに加え、個人消費と設備投資という内需の二本柱がそろって減少したことが主因だ。復興需要による公共投資の増加では、マイナスを補いきれなかった。Domestic automobile sales have slackened due to the end of government subsidies for eco-friendly car purchases, and sales of household electrical appliances such as flat-screen TVs have remained sluggish. Increased uncertainty over corporate performance also has restrained corporate investment in plants and equipment. 消費は、エコカー補助金の終了で自動車販売が苦戦し、薄型テレビなど家電の不振も続いている。企業業績の不透明感が強まり、設備投資が控えられた。===Inaccurate recovery scenarioThe government and the Bank of Japan sketched out a scenario in which they would wait for foreign economies to recover while sustaining demand at home through reconstruction projects in the hope that this would eventually lead to full-scale growth. 政府・日銀は、復興需要で内需を支えながら海外経済の回復を待ち、本格的な成長につなげるシナリオを描いていたが、However, as the slowdown in domestic demand has come earlier than they expected, their scenario is not playing out as they imagined. They must increase their vigilance and make all-out efforts to sustain the economy.早すぎた内需減速で目算は外れつつある。警戒を強め、景気の下支えに万全を期さねばならない。Of major concern is that there seems to be slim hope of an early recovery in foreign economies. 懸念されるのは、海外経済の早期回復が望み薄なことだ。Europe has fallen into a negative growth phase. The United States, meanwhile, is heading for a "fiscal cliff" from year-end to early next year that involves an end to various tax breaks including last year's temporary payroll tax cuts, thereby threatening to deal another blow to the global economy. 欧州はマイナス成長に陥っている。米国も年末から来年にかけて減税打ち切りなど「財政の崖」が控えており、世界経済に打撃を与える恐れがある。Also of major concern is a sharp drop in Japan's exports to China due to a slowdown in the Chinese economy and strained bilateral relations over the Senkaku Islands. 中国経済の減速と尖閣諸島問題を巡る日中関係の悪化を受け、中国向け輸出が急減していることも大きな不安材料といえよう。A government-planned small-scale emergency economic package using reserve funds is not strong enough to cope with such adverse conditions. The government must compile a supplementary budget as soon as possible and put together a full-fledged stimulus package. こうした逆風に対して、予備費を使った小粒の緊急経済対策では力不足が否めない。政府は補正予算を早期に編成し、本格的な景気対策を打ち出すべきだ。However, as fiscal conditions remain strict, it is necessary to allocate budgets on a priority basis to public works projects that will have the greatest economic impact. ただし財政事情は厳しい。効果の高い公共事業などに、予算を重点配分する必要がある。===Use private sector as spurThe development and successful commercialization of private-sector innovation is the biggest driving force for economic growth. Future business opportunities can be expected in such growth industries as environment-related businesses and medical services. 経済成長は、民間の創意で「売れる商品」を開発し、普及させていくことが最大の推進力となる。特に、環境関連や医療などの成長分野は今後、ビジネスチャンスの拡大が期待される。We hope such moves will receive sufficient support for research and development projects through an investment tax credit and easing regulations that are hampering new business ventures. Adequate measures must be carefully devised after listening to the private sector's needs. 投資減税による研究開発への支援や、新事業の障害となる規制の緩和などで後押ししたい。民間の要望に耳を傾け、的確な施策を厳選することが重要となる。To make the most of the private sector's vigor, the domestic business environment must be improved first and foremost. 民間活力を最大限に引き出すためには、国内の事業環境を改善させることも急務だろう。Concrete measures to achieve this include correcting the strength of the record-high yen; lowering the corporate tax rate, which is high compared to international standards; and restarting idled nuclear reactors to avert a possible power shortage. 具体的には、歴史的な超円高の是正や国際的に高い法人税率の引き下げ、原子力発電所の再稼働による電力不足の解消などだ。Not least of all, the political situation must be stabilized to help shore up economic growth.政治の安定を図り、日本の成長をテコ入れしなければならない。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 14, 2012)（2012年11月14日01時20分 読売新聞）
Nov 15, 2012
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「ＴＰＰ解散」 首相は交渉参加の旗を掲げよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 14, 2012)Noda should hoist flag of TPP participation「ＴＰＰ解散」 首相は交渉参加の旗を掲げよ（11月13日付・読売社説）It is vital that Japan promote free trade and boost its economic growth. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda should decide that the nation will join negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral trade framework. 自由貿易を推進し、日本の成長に弾みをつけることが重要だ。野田首相は環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への交渉参加を決断すべきである。At the House of Representatives Budget Committee, the prime minister again indicated that joining talks on the U.S.-led TPP would be among the Democratic Party of Japan's policy pledges for the next lower house election. He said discussions on the matter would be held within the party. 首相が衆院予算委員会で、米国が主導しているＴＰＰについて、民主党の次期衆院選政権公約（マニフェスト）に盛り込む考えを改めて示し、「党内で議論を進めていく」と述べた。A year has passed since Noda announced Japan would enter talks with nations concerned with an eye to eventually taking a seat at TPP negotiations. It is problematic that he has kept delaying a decision on TPP participation and failed to take necessary steps for joining the trade pact, such as strengthening the international competitiveness of the agriculture sector to brace it for further market liberalization. 首相が「ＴＰＰ交渉参加に向けて関係国との協議に入る」と表明してから１年が過ぎた。一段の市場開放に備えた農業の国際競争力強化策などの環境整備もしないまま、参加の決断を先送りしてきたのは問題である。Now, more than ever, it would be significant to clearly show a resolve to accelerate Japan's economic growth by harnessing the dynamism of other parts of Asia through joining the TPP. ただ、ここに来て、ＴＰＰ参加によってアジアの活力を取り込み、日本の成長加速を目指す姿勢を鮮明にする意味は大きい。===Key election issueThe TPP issue will be a hot topic in the lower house election likely to take place at the year-end or early next year. Detailed discussions should be held on the issue. 年末から年始の可能性がある次期衆院選はＴＰＰが争点となろう。活発な論議が求められる。Some DPJ members remain firmly opposed to signing on to the TPP. Maneuvering to block Noda from dissolving the lower house after making the TPP a key campaign issue has become increasingly active. 民主党内には依然、反対論が強く、首相の「ＴＰＰ解散」を阻止する動きも活発化している。However, nothing will be initiated unless Japan sits at the negotiation table. We hope Noda will not wilt in the face of this opposition and exerts strong leadership. だが、まずは交渉のテーブルに着かないと物事は始まらない。首相は腰砕けにならず、指導力を発揮してもらいたい。The Liberal Democratic Party, on the other hand, maintains a cautious stance. It opposes TPP participation if it is premised on eliminating all tariffs. 一方、自民党は「関税撤廃を前提としたＴＰＰ参加に反対」という慎重な構えを崩していない。But if the LDP is serious about regaining power, it will need to map out concrete steps regarding how Japan as a trading nation can expand trade and invigorate its economy. しかし、自民党が政権奪還を目指すなら、通商国家・日本がいかに貿易を拡大し、経済を活性化させるか、具体的な道筋を示すことが不可欠である。Some LDP members support TPP participation. The party should hold exhaustive discussions and hammer out a convincing policy course. 自民党内には、ＴＰＰ参加への賛成論も少なくない。党内論議を尽くし、説得力のある政策を打ち出さねばならない。===A security issue, tooOf concern to us is that Japan could be left completely behind while it dithers over making a decision. 懸念されるのは、日本が決断をもたついている間に、出遅れが決定的になる事態である。It already has been decided that Canada and Mexico would join TPP negotiations. As U.S. President Barack Obama, a vocal advocate of the TPP, has recently been reelected, negotiations involving 11 nations will likely accelerate through next year. すでにカナダとメキシコの参加が決まり、ＴＰＰを推進してきたオバマ米大統領が再選された結果、来年にかけて、１１か国の交渉は加速する可能性が大きい。Under the current circumstances, negotiations could proceed without Japan's participation on issues including the elimination or lowering of tariffs and formulation of trade and investment rules. The fate of Japan's national interests will hinge on whether the nation is engaged in these rule-making processes and can reflect its opinions. このままでは関税撤廃・引き下げや貿易・投資ルール作りを巡り、日本抜きで交渉が進みかねない。日本がルール作りなどに関与し、意見を反映できるかどうかで、国益が左右されるだろう。Participation in the TPP is also important in terms of national security. It will lead to stronger Japan-U.S. relations, and also could help restrain the behavior of China, with which the nation has been at odds over the Senkaku Islands. ＴＰＰ参加は安全保障上も重要だ。日米関係の強化につながり、尖閣諸島を巡って対立する中国への牽制(けんせい)効果も期待できる。In parallel with the TPP, Japan should strive to seal a free trade agreement with China and South Korea and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in East Asia, among others. It is time to pursue wise, robust trade strategies. ＴＰＰとともに、日中韓自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）や東アジア包括的経済連携（ＲＣＥＰ）などにも並行的に取り組み、したたかな戦略を推進する必要がある。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 13, 2012)（2012年11月13日01時32分 読売新聞）
Nov 14, 2012
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Nov 14, 2012
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地方公務員給与 自治体はもっと削減努力を
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 13, 2012)Local govts need bigger ax to slash personnel costs地方公務員給与 自治体はもっと削減努力を（11月11日付・読売社説）Slashing personnel costs is a crucial task for local governments and from the viewpoint of rebuilding the central government's finances. It is essential that local governments redouble their efforts to cut expenditures. 地方の人件費圧縮は、国の財政再建にも重要な課題だ。 自治体の削減努力が求められる。With preparations for compiling a state budget for fiscal 2013 under way, the Finance Ministry announced provisional calculations regarding salary levels of local government employees. ２０１３年度予算の編成に向け、財務省が地方公務員の給与水準に関する試算を発表した。The Laspeyres index--an indicator that compares local government employees' salaries against a base of 100 for salaries of central government workers--stood at 106.9 for fiscal 2012, marking a reversal for the first time in nine years, according to the estimates. 国家公務員を１００としたときの地方公務員の給与水準を示すラスパイレス指数が、１２年度は１０６・９となり、９年ぶりに国と地方の給与が逆転した。Salaries in more than 80 percent of about 1,800 local entities across Japan exceeded the pay pocketed by central government employees. 全国約１８００自治体の８割以上が国より高水準だった。This seems partly due to the fact that the central government decided to cut its employees' salaries for two years from fiscal 2012 to raise funds for budgetary appropriations for reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake. 東日本大震災の復興予算を捻出するため、国家公務員の給与を１２年度から２年間、引き下げた措置が影響しているのだろう。Salaries of local government employees are stipulated by ordinances, mainly after consultations between municipalities and trade unions of their workers. The central government has no say in pay scale decisions by local governments. 地方公務員の給与は労組との協議などを経て、自治体が条例で決める。国に決定権はない。===Averse to pay cutsHowever, local government employees' salaries are paid from local tax grants allocated by the central government, in addition to local tax revenues. ただ、その財源となるのは、地方税などに加え、国から配分される地方交付税交付金だ。These tax grants, which are designed to help local governments make up for budget deficits, have reached more than 17 trillion yen a year. The central government funds these grants by incurring debts. Providing cash for local tax grants has been a major cause of the central government's fiscal crunch, along with fast-ballooning social security costs. 地方の財源不足を補う１７兆円超の交付税は国が借金しながら支えており、社会保障費と並んで国家財政を圧迫する要因となっている。Personnel costs account for about one-fourth of the more than 80 trillion yen in total expenses of local governments throughout Japan. Curtailing employees' salaries is essential for turning around the finances of chronically debt-ridden local governments. 地方全体の歳出８０兆円超のうち給与が４分の１を占める。公務員給与の削減は、借金体質が続く地方財政の改革に不可欠だ。Kyoto Gov. Keiji Yamada, who chairs the Association of Prefectural Governors, has bristled at the Finance Ministry's suggestion that local government workers' salaries must be cut. He said the central government "should recognize the efforts being made by local governments" to reel in budget deficits. 財務省の指摘に対し、全国知事会長の山田啓二京都府知事は「地方の努力を評価してもらわないと困る」と反発し、Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Shinji Tarutoko also joined the chorus of criticism, saying the Finance Ministry was "making figures arbitrarily, apparently with the aim of misleading public opinion. This is extremely inappropriate."樽床総務相も「勝手に数字を出して世論をミスリードするのは甚だ不適切だ」と不快感を表明している。The way salaries of local government employees are determined is baffling for several reasons. しかし、地方公務員給与の現状をみれば、首をかしげたくなるような面も少なくない。Salary levels for a local government are decided, in principle, after checking salaries of other local entities and the central government, as well as salary trends in the private sector. 給与水準は国や他の自治体、民間の動向を踏まえて決定することになっている。===Fringe benefits too generousAccording to the Finance Ministry, workers at local governments in every prefecture earned larger pay packets than the average monthly pay of private business employees. Local government monthly salaries were more than 100,000 yen higher than company employees' salaries in Aomori, Akita and Ehime prefectures, the ministry noted. だが、財務省によれば、全都道府県で民間の平均月額給与を上回る。青森、秋田、愛媛３県は１０万円以上多い。Aside from regular administrative positions, local government employees handling cleaning and bus-driving duties are paid 1.5 times the amount their private-sector counterparts receive. The figures are 1.9 times higher for security guards and and 1.8 times for telephone operators. 一般職以外でも、清掃関係やバス運転手は民間の１・５倍、警備員は１・９倍、電話交換手が１・８倍などと厚遇ぶりが目立つ。Some local entities pay employees housing allowances--a perk already abolished for central government employees. Others give special allowances to teachers for accompanying school excursions and supervising high school exams. 国家公務員では廃止された持ち家手当を温存し、修学旅行の引率や高校入試の監督まで特殊勤務手当で支給する自治体もある。Both the ruling and opposition camps appear reluctant to take up the issue of local government salaries. They seem afraid of antagonizing local entities when a House of Representatives election is likely to be held soon. 与野党とも衆院選を前に地方の反発を恐れ、地方公務員の給与問題には及び腰となりがちだ。Community residents and assemblies should press harder for administrative reform of local governments. 地域の住民や議会が一層の行政改革を迫ることが重要だろう。When the consumption tax rate is raised to 10 percent from October 2015, revenue from 1.54 percentage points of the five-point hike will go to local governments' coffers, which they can use at their discretion. １５年１０月に消費税率が１０％に引き上げられた段階で、増税５％のうち１・５４％分は自治体に回り、自主財源となる。Given this, local governments should remain aware of their responsibility to further cut expenditures to ensure fiscal matters are handled effectively and properly.地方は一段と歳出削減に取り組み、メリハリのある財政運営を行う責任がある。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 11, 2012)（2012年11月11日01時19分 読売新聞）
Nov 14, 2012
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32Red online casino はロンドン証券取引所上場のれっきとした英国企業です。オンラインカジノで稼ぐことを決心されたあなたには、こちらをお勧めいたします。Roulette Blackjack Online Slots 以下参考です＾＾。32Red Casino Essential InformationGeneral Information1.Website : www.32red.com2.Founded : 20023.Licensed : Gibraltar4.Languages : English, Spanish, German, French, Japanese, Swedish, Greek, Polish, Greek, Norwegien, Chinese5.Countries Banned : USA, Turkey, Hong Kong, US Virgin Island, US Minor outlying areas6.Email Support : support@32red.com7.Telephone : UK 0808 1803232 Freephone, Canada 1866 902 0499 Freephone, Japan 00663 381 2265 Freephone, Germany 0800 0005 139 Freephone, Holland 0800 9494 618 Freephone, Australia 1800 234 060 Freephone, Europe 0805 108 215 Freephone, All Other Countries +350 200597598.Live Chat : Yes
Nov 13, 2012
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香山リカのココロの万華鏡:強がりな人ほど心に弱さ ／東京
November 11, 2012(Mainichi Japan)Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Feeling upbeat and one's true character香山リカのココロの万華鏡:強がりな人ほど心に弱さ ／東京Former Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara, on his final day at work, was asked by reporters for his feelings. He responded, "I don't have any (sadness), I feel upbeat." 都知事を辞任した石原慎太郎氏は、最後の登庁の日、報道陣に心境を尋ねられて「（寂しさは）全然ない。心ウキウキ、ワクワクだ」と笑顔で語った。Hearing this, I was probably not the only one to think, "When was the last time I felt upbeat?" Asking this to a university senior who still hasn't secured a job, they told me, "When I open e-mail it's a notice that I've been turned down and my family gets depressed. Even the soccer team I like isn't doing well. There isn't a single bit of good news." この言葉を聞いて「最近、ウキウキ、ワクワクしたのはいつだっけ」とつい考えてしまったのは、私だけではないだろう。いまだに来春の就職先が決まらない大学４年生にきくと、「メールを開けば“残念ですが”という不採用通知だし、家族はうつ病になっちゃうし、好きなサッカーチームまで成績が悪くて、楽しいことなんてひとつもないですよ」とのことだった。Then, why does Ishihara feel upbeat? There may be a feeling of freedom from dropping the burden of governor, but I don't think that is all. The Japan Restoration Party's leader Toru Hashimoto said at the party's formation, "A big battle is coming," and Ishihara, too, may be feeling excitement about forming his own party and leading it into national politics amidst the current political turmoil. では石原氏は、いったいどうして「ウキウキ、ワクワク」しているのだろう。都知事の荷を下ろした解放感もあるかもしれないが、それだけではないはずだ。日本維新の会の橋下徹代表は、結党のあいさつで「大いくさが始まる」と述べていたが、新党の発足を予定している石原氏もおそらく、“乱世”のいま、新党を率いて国政の場に打って出ることに高揚感や興奮を感じているのだろう。Should we feel strength in seeing such political leaders, or be unsettled by how far removed they are from regular people's lives? I am of the latter. まさに戦国時代のように奮い立つリーダーたちの姿に、頼もしさを感じるべきなのだろうか。それとも、「あまりにも一般の生活者とかけ離れている」と違和感を抱いてよいのだろうか。正直言って、私は後者だ。Harold Dwight Lasswell, a political scientist who was influenced by psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, writes something interesting in his book "Power and Personality." There are people in the world with a love for power, and they often become politicians, and according to Lasswell, many of them work for personal motives, such as overcoming unpleasant memories from childhood. He writes that these politicians cleverly use arguments for the public good to justify their personal motives. 精神分析家フロイトの影響を受けたラスウェルという政治学者は、「権力と人間」という本の中で面白いことを述べている。世の中には権力に目がない「政治的タイプ」と呼ばれる人間がいて、この人たちがしばしば政治家になるのだが、ラスウェルによるとその動機の多くは「子ども時代のイヤな思い出の克服」など個人的な動機に基づいているのだという。ラスウェルは、このタイプの政治家について「個人的な動機を、公の目的にうまくすり替え、公共の利益の名において合理化できる人」といった説明をしている。I don't want to think that all the world's politicians are seeking power for personal reasons like overcoming inferiority complexes from their childhood and showing up the world. However, when I wonder if the fact that the stronger one looks, the weaker they are inside applies to politics as well, I find myself worrying about some politicians. すべての政治家が、「子ども時代のコンプレックスを晴らして世の中を見返すために」といった自分だけの動機で権力を目指しているとは思いたくない。とはいえ、「強く見える人ほど、心の中に弱さを持っている」という真実は政治の世界でも生きているのか、と思うとちょっとおかしくなり、「あの政治家はどうなのだろう？」と心配になる。Of course, we cannot have only weak-willed politicians, but in these difficult times, I would like someone who doesn't forget kindness and compassion to lead society. Am I mistaken to want such a thing? もちろん弱気なだけのリーダーばかりでは困るが、このむずかしい時代、やっぱり優しさや思いやりを忘れない人に社会を動かしてもらいたい。そう思うのは間違いなのだろうか。(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)毎日新聞 2012年11月06日 地方版
Nov 12, 2012
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「年内解散」検討 環境整備へ与野党は歩み寄れ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 11, 2012)Ruling and opposition parties should meet halfway「年内解散」検討 環境整備へ与野党は歩み寄れ（11月10日付・読売社説）By speeding up efforts to settle key issues, both ruling and opposition parties should create an environment conducive to a decision by Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to dissolve the House of Representatives within the year. 年内の衆院解散へ、与野党は懸案処理を急ぎ、野田首相が決断できる環境を整えるべきだ。Noda is currently mulling dissolution of the lower house for a general election. As some members of his Democratic Party of Japan are considering leaving the party, the prime minister is well aware of the risk that the DPJ may no longer retain a lower house majority. Given the situation, Noda apparently is looking for ways to gain the upper hand in dissolving the lower house rather than being forced to dissolve it. 首相が解散・総選挙の検討に入った。民主党内に離党予備軍を抱え、衆院での与党過半数割れも視野に入る。首相は、追い込まれるよりも主導権を握った形での解散を模索しているのだろう。It has been about three years and two months since the last lower house election. It is about time to seek a public mandate. 前回衆院選から約３年２か月が経過し、国民に信を問う潮時を迎えつつあるのは確かだ。The prime minister was apparently prompted to consider dissolution by a change in the stance of the largest opposition Liberal Democratic Party. LDP President Shinzo Abe recently said his party is ready to cooperate on passing a bill to issue deficit-covering bonds and resolving other key issues even though Noda has not set a definite date for the dissolution. 首相の背中を押したのは、自民党の安倍総裁が解散の確約にこだわらず、赤字国債発行を可能にする特例公債法案の成立などに協力する方針に転じたことだ。The bill is expected to be passed in the lower house Thursday and be enacted by the end of this month. 法案は１５日に衆院を通過し、月内に成立する見通しだ。===LDP, Komeito cooperationThe LDP has concluded that holding the matter closely linked to the people's daily lives "hostage" is not the proper thing to do. We view this as reasonable. 自民党が、国民生活を「人質」とする戦術は取るべきではないと判断したのは妥当である。Under the divided Diet in which the House of Councillors is controlled by the opposition camp, the opposition's act of urging Noda to specify the timing of the dissolution in return for its cooperation in passing important legislation could restrict the prime minister's constitutional prerogative to dissolve the lower house. 衆参ねじれ国会の下、首相が重要法案成立と引き換えに解散時期の明示を迫られることは、解散権の制約につながろう。If such maneuvers were to be repeated, no administration would last long, and politics would be thrown into chaos. We believe Abe's compromise would be to the advantage of the LDP, which is seeking a return to power. こうした駆け引きが繰り返されれば、政権は短命化し、政治の混迷が続く。安倍氏の譲歩は、政権復帰を目指す自民党にとっても損にならないはずだ。The smaller opposition party New Komeito has also fallen in line with the LDP without calling on Noda for a definite time for the lower house dissolution. Although they have not fully come to terms, it is significant that the three major parties are back on the same page for now. 公明党も、解散の確約にこだわらず、自民党に同調した。部分的にせよ、民自公路線がこの局面で復活した意義は大きい。The three parties have also agreed to have party leaders debate in the Diet as well as convene a meeting of the lower house's budget committee next week. We hope they will have serious debates over the Senkaku Islands issue and Japan's participation in negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership multinational free trade framework. Noda supports TPP participation. ３党は、来週の党首討論と衆院予算委員会の開催でも合意した。尖閣諸島問題や、首相が参加に前向きな環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）を巡り、活発な政策論議を繰り広げてもらいたい。===It's time for DPJ to shift stanceMeanwhile, the DPJ has maintained a firm attitude on lower house electoral system reform--one of the conditions set by Noda to dissolve the lower house--by continuing to handle the two issues of reducing single-seat constituencies by five and cutting the number of seats in the proportional representation system together. However, the DPJ is unlikely to win cooperation from the opposition with such a stance, and this would leave the passage of the key legislation up in the air. 解散へのもう一つの条件である衆院選挙制度改革に関し、民主党は、小選挙区の「０増５減」と比例定数削減の同時決着を求める姿勢を崩していない。だが、これでは野党の協力が得られず、法案成立のメドは立たない。To prevent a lower house election from being held "in a state of unconstitutionality," it is essential for the DPJ to accept the LDP's proposal of handling the issues separately and reducing single-seat constituencies first. The DPJ executive led by Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi should be aware a position shift is necessary. 「違憲状態」のままの衆院選を避けるには、自民党の求める「０増５減」の先行処理が不可欠だ。民主党の輿石執行部は腹をくくって、方針を転換する時である。The opposition camp in the upper house, meanwhile, remains combative with the Noda administration, citing the censure motion against Noda passed in the previous Diet session as the reason. 一方、参院の野党は、首相問責決議を理由に、政権と全面的に対決する構えを示している。The three parties have also broadly agreed on the passage of a bill in the lower house to revise the National Pension Law to set pension payments at levels reflecting the current decline in prices. They should also work together in approving necessary legislation in the upper house. 民自公３党は、年金支給額を物価下落に応じ、適正水準に是正する国民年金法改正案の衆院通過でも大筋合意した。参院でも、３党が協力し、必要な法案については成立させるべきである。Upper house DPJ members have called on the opposition parties to allow the prime minister to deliver his policy speech in the chamber's plenary session as the opposition blocked Noda from doing so. But the DPJ should refrain from unnecessarily provoking them. 参院民主党は、野党の反対で見送った参院本会議での首相の所信表明演説を求めている。要らざる挑発は控えた方がいいだろう。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 10, 2012)（2012年11月10日01時18分 読売新聞）
Nov 12, 2012
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中国共産党大会 強硬路線の継承を懸念する
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 10, 2012)Concern grows over China's continued hard-line policy中国共産党大会 強硬路線の継承を懸念する（11月9日付・読売社説）It is now obvious that China's new generation of Communist Party and national leaders will continue to pursue policies aimed at bolstering both its economic and military might, seeking to become "a rich country with a strong army." 経済力と軍事力を膨張させる富国強兵路線を、新指導部が継承することが明確になった。The Congress of the Communist Party of China, which meets every five years, is under way. ５年に１度の中国共産党大会が開幕した。During the ruling party convention, Vice President Xi Jinping is expected to be inaugurated as general secretary and a significant majority of the top echelons of China's leadership will be replaced. 今大会では習近平国家副主席が総書記に就任し、指導部が大幅に交代する。The Congress is of great importance as it will set the path China will take over the next 10 years.中国の今後１０年の針路を決定づける重要な大会だ。In a report on the party's action policy over the next five years delivered at the opening of the Congress on Thursday, President Hu Jintao, who is due to step down as general secretary, affirmed Beijing's resolve to accelerate modernization of its military to defend Chinese territory, and strongly emphasized the nation's determination to protect its maritime interests. 総書記を退く胡錦濤国家主席は今後５年の党の活動方針となる政治報告で、領土を防衛するために軍の近代化を加速し、海洋権益を断固守る姿勢を強調した。The remarks by Hu seemed to be addressing the heightened tensions between Japan and China over Japan's recent nationalization of the Senkaku Islands, several thorny territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and the new diplomatic policy of the United States to refocus its strategic attention on Asia. 尖閣諸島の国有化を巡る日本との激しい対立や南シナ海の領有権問題に関する摩擦、米国の「アジア重視」の新戦略を念頭に置いたものだろう。===Simmering anger over injusticeThere is every sign China's hard-line stance toward Japan over the Senkakus will continue. 尖閣問題で中国の対日強硬姿勢が続くのは避けられまい。Japan, for its part, must support mid- and long-term strategies toward China by strengthening ties with Southeast Asian nations based on the Japan-U.S. alliance.日本は日米同盟を基軸に東南アジア諸国とも連携し、中長期的な対中戦略を練らなければならない。In the speech, Hu also stated a goal of doubling China's gross domestic product by 2020 and per capita incomes nationwide in a decade, both compared to 2010 levels. 胡氏はまた、２０２０年の国内総生産や１人当たりの所得を１０年に比べて２倍にするとの目標も打ち出した。To achieve this, China must maintain a yearly growth rate of about 7 percent. Since the days of hard-charging growth appear to be in the past, fulfilling these goals will not be easy.年率７％程度の成長を維持していく必要がある。だが、かつてのような高成長は望めず、目標達成は容易ではない。Over the past decade, China has successfully hosted a summer Olympics and a World Expo, as well as claimed from Japan the No. 2 spot in terms of economic size. この１０年、中国は北京五輪と上海万博を成功させ、日本を抜き世界第２位の経済大国となった。However, in the shadows of spectacular growth lies a widening gap between rich and poor, as well as deepening public anger over inequities in the administration of justice and rampant corruption among local bureaucrats. Violent demonstrations have erupted over these issues in many parts of China. 成長の陰で、貧富の格差が広がり、不公正な司法や地方官僚の腐敗などに対する国民の反発が暴動となって各地で噴出している。Hu's declaration that the government will do its utmost to shrink income disparities by "deepening reform of income allocation systems" likely came out of a strong sense of urgency over the matter. 胡氏が「所得分配制度の改革を深化させる」として格差解消に全力を挙げる方針を訴えたのは、強い危機感の裏返しと言える。People aged 60 or older accounted for 12.5 percent of China's population in 2009, and this number is projected to rise to 18 percent by 2020. Further delays in improving the social safety net and related matters could easily stir up social unrest. ０９年末に総人口の１２・５％だった６０歳以上の高齢者は２０年に１８％になる見込みだ。社会保障などの整備の遅れは、社会を一層不安定にさせる要因となろう。===Hidden power struggleIn the national Congress, the party's platform is set to be revised to upgrade Hu's "scientific development concept," which is designed to realize a well-balanced, sustainable society, to the level of Mao Zedong thought and the theories of other supreme leaders of China. 大会では党規約を改正し、調和のとれた持続可能な発展を目指す胡氏の戦略思想「科学的発展観」を毛沢東ら歴代指導者の思想と同列の指導思想に格上げする方針だ。The move is seen as reflecting Hu's desire to retain influence even after retiring from the country's top post.引退後も自らの影響力を保ちたい胡氏の狙いがうかがえる。The announcement of the schedule for the Congress was delayed an extraordinary full month compared to past party conventions. The delay seems to have been primarily due to trouble in agreeing over how Bo Xilai, the former chief of the southwestern city of Chongqing, should be punished. Bo has already lost his party membership over allegations of massive corruption and other reasons. 大会の日程発表は通常より１か月も遅れる異例の事態となった。巨額収賄などを理由に党籍を剥奪した元重慶市トップ薄煕来氏の処分を巡る調整が難航したためとみられる。Power struggles within the Communist Party were likely behind the delay, though what exactly happened remains murky.党内の権力闘争が影を落とした形だが、真相は不明だ。It appears the Congress will not address political reform, including easing of control over freedom of speech. 言論統制の緩和など政治改革は手付かずだ。Hu said in his speech that Beijing is prepared to "proceed actively as well as appropriately in the task of reforming the political system." But we cannot help but wonder how successful China will be in materializing any meaningful reform.政治報告は「政治体制改革を積極的かつ穏当に推進する」とうたうが、どこまで改革を進められるのか。The new party leadership under Xi will begin its rule burdened with a heavy task load.習近平体制に重い宿題が残されることになる。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 9, 2012)（2012年11月9日01時21分 読売新聞）
Nov 10, 2012
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Nov 10, 2012
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米大統領選 続投オバマ氏を待つ財政の崖
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 9, 2012)Obama must confront 'fiscal cliff,' Pacific affairs in his 2nd term米大統領選 続投オバマ氏を待つ財政の崖（11月8日付・読売社説）Democrat Barack Obama was reelected as president of the United States on Tuesday, defeating Republican challenger Mitt Romney, a former Massachusetts governor. 米大統領選で、民主党の現職バラク・オバマ氏が、共和党候補ミット・ロムニー前マサチューセッツ州知事を退けて、再選を決めた。The tasks Obama will face in his second term are as weighty as those of four years ago. The United States has overcome the financial crisis for the time being, but it is still in the process of revitalizing its economy. We hope Obama will realize his country's large role and great responsibility in the world and exercise strong leadership. オバマ氏が２期目で直面する課題の重さは、４年前にひけをとらない。金融危機はひとまず克服したが、経済再生は、なお途上にある。米国が世界で担う役割と責任の大きさを踏まえ、強い指導力を発揮してもらいたい。Obama failed to fulfill his promise to cut the country's budget deficit in half by the end of his first term. He could not make the desired progress in job creation, with the unemployment rate remaining high at nearly 8 percent. オバマ氏は、「１期目の任期中に財政赤字を半減する」との公約を実現できなかった。雇用創出も思うようには進まず、失業率は８％近くに高止まりしている。The reason Obama was reelected despite these factors is probably because what he did achieve in the fields of economic reconstruction and national security was largely positively evaluated. それでも再選できたのは、経済再建や安全保障分野での実績がおおむね評価されたからだろう。===First-term highlightsObama stabilized the country's financial system by launching a massive economic stimulus package as soon as he took office. He pulled the United States back from the brink of a major depression by rescuing General Motors Co. after it failed. 就任早々に巨額の景気対策を実施し、金融システムを安定させた。破綻した米自動車大手ゼネラル・モーターズ（ＧＭ）も救済して、大恐慌に転落する瀬戸際にあった米国を救ったと言える。Also, Obama put an end to the Iraq War, which was a negative legacy of the country, and set a course for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. 「負の遺産」だったイラク戦争を終わらせ、アフガニスタンからの米軍撤収にも道筋をつけた。Romney's defeat in the presidential race can only be attributed to the fact that he could not present a convincing economic policy of his own even while he pointed his finger at Obama's mismanagement of the economy. ロムニー氏の敗因は、大統領の経済失政を指弾しながら、説得力のある経済政策を示せなかったことに尽きる。The immediate top priority for Obama is balancing economic stimulus measures with reconstruction of government finances. オバマ氏の最優先課題は、景気対策と財政再建の両立である。The "fiscal cliff" awaits. This is a situation in which big tax cuts will expire at the end of this year and the U.S. government must start to make mandated spending cuts at the beginning of next year. If no measures are taken, the country will face harsh fiscal restraints and could fall into a serious recession. The impact on the world, including Japan, would be immense. 年末から年明けにかけ、大型減税が失効し、歳出の強制削減が始まる「財政の崖」が控えている。何の手も打たなければ、大規模な財政緊縮をもたらし、米国は深刻な景気後退に陥りかねない。日本など世界への影響は甚大だ。===A 'divided' CongressTo get through this ordeal, cooperation from the U.S. Congress is indispensable. この試練を乗り切るには、連邦議会の協力が欠かせない。As a result of the congressional elections, there was no real change in the "divided" Congress in which Republicans hold a majority in the House of Representatives while the Democrats hold a majority in the Senate. Obama should do his utmost to enact necessary bills to prevent confusion in the U.S. economy. 議会選の結果、下院で共和党、上院で民主党がそれぞれ過半数を占める“ねじれ”の構図に変化はなかった。経済の混乱を防ぐため必要な法案を成立させるべく、オバマ氏は全力を挙げるべきだ。In foreign and security policy, there is a mountain of pending issues such as nuclear development by North Korea and Iran and the situation surrounding Syria. 外交・安全保障政策でも、北朝鮮、イランの核開発やシリア情勢など懸案が山積している。We'd like to pay particular attention to U.S. policy toward China, with its growing economic and military might. 特に注目したいのは、経済・軍事で膨張する中国への政策だ。The fact that the United States, as a "Pacific nation," has adopted a strategy placing importance on Asia is of great significance for regional stability and prosperity. How will the United States regard Japan, its ally, and what kind of relationship does it plan to build with China? 米国が「太平洋国家」としてアジア重視の戦略を打ち出していることは、地域の安定と繁栄に大きな意味を持つ。米国は同盟国の日本をどう位置づけ、中国とどのような関係を築くつもりなのか。Japan, for its part, needs to have a series of policy consultations with the United States in a bid to join the Washington-led talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade framework at an early date. 日本も、米国主導の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への早期参加を目指し、米国と政策協議を重ねる必要がある。Japan must further cement the Japan-U.S. relationship by taking necessary steps.自らの役割を果たす中で、日米関係をより強固にしていかなければならない。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 8, 2012)（2012年11月8日02時00分 読売新聞）
Nov 10, 2012
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「第３極」 主導権争いが映す政治の混迷
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 8, 2012)Struggles over '3rd force' reflect political disarray「第３極」 主導権争いが映す政治の混迷（11月7日付・読売社説）Political struggles are intensifying over who will become the main actor in an emerging "third force" to challenge the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party. 民主、自民両党に続く「第３極」での主導権争いが激化している。If the basic ideas and policy stances continue to differ significantly among those expected to form such a force, there will be little prospect of it emerging before the next House of Representatives election. 基本的な理念、政策で大きく異なるようでは、次期衆院選に向けた勢力結集に展望は開けまい。First of all, we wonder about the real aims of a third force. Former Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara has expressed his intention to shortly launch a new party with Takeo Hiranuma, head of the Sunrise Party of Japan, and others, and work to reorganize the political landscape by forming an alliance with Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and other conservative forces. そもそも、第３極は何を目的とするのか。石原慎太郎前東京都知事はたちあがれ日本の平沼代表らとともに近く新党を結成し、日本維新の会などとの「保守勢力の結集」によって政界再編を目指す考えを示している。Toru Hashimoto, the head of Ishin no Kai, is positive about forming an alliance with Ishihara, but wants to keep his distance from the Sunrise Party's "genuine conservatism." This must be hard for the public to understand. 維新の会の橋下徹代表も石原氏との連携には前向きだが、たちあがれ日本の「真正保守」とは一線を画したいという。国民にとっては、わかりにくい。===Policy differencesLet's look at the policy issues. 個々の政策を見ると、Ishihara and the Sunrise Party have accepted a consumption tax rate hike to secure fiscal resources for social security. Ishin no Kai and Your Party, on the other hand, want to make the consumption tax a local tax.消費税について、石原氏とたちあがれ日本は、社会保障財源を確保するための税率引き上げを容認している。維新の会とみんなの党が唱えるのは「消費税の地方税化」だ。On energy policy, the Sunrise Party has the realistic approach that nuclear energy should be maintained as long as safety management systems are improved. Ishin no Kai and Your Party both want this country to abandon nuclear power. エネルギー政策でも、たちあがれ日本は、安全管理体制を強化したうえでの原発維持という現実的な立場だ。維新の会とみんなの党は「脱原発」で一致している。Consumption tax and nuclear energy policies are significant in determining Japan's future course. Ishihara has described the policy stance differences as "minor problems" that will not prevent the formation of a viable political force. But we consider it absurd to bend on policy measures favored by the public. 消費税や原発は、日本の将来を左右する政策だ。石原氏は勢力結集の前には「ささいな問題」と言うが、大衆迎合色の強い政策と折り合おうとするのはおかしい。Both of these issues will certainly be hot potatoes in the next lower house election. Voters will be puzzled if parties form an alliance or cooperate in the election by covering up their differences on important policies and call for drastic reforms of state organizations and bureaucracy systems. （この部分の英訳は不完全です＾＾） 個々の政策を見ると、消費税について、石原氏とたちあがれ日本は、社会保障財源を確保するための税率引き上げを容認している。維新の会とみんなの党が唱えるのは「消費税の地方税化」だ。 エネルギー政策でも、たちあがれ日本は、安全管理体制を強化したうえでの原発維持という現実的な立場だ。維新の会とみんなの党は「脱原発」で一致している。 消費税や原発は、日本の将来を左右する政策だ。石原氏は勢力結集の前には「ささいな問題」と言うが、大衆迎合色の強い政策と折り合おうとするのはおかしい。 いずれも次期衆院選では争点となる。重要政策の違いを糊塗(こと)して選挙で連携・協力し、国の機構、官僚制度の抜本的な変革を訴えても、有権者は戸惑うだろう。Ichiro Matsui, secretary general of Ishin no Kai, has indicated the party will officially endorse candidates in the lower house No. 1 single-seat constituency of each prefecture, which includes the prefectural capital. The party apparently aims to win seats in those constituencies, where there are many floating voters, and garner as many votes as possible in the proportional representation segment of the election. 維新の会の松井一郎幹事長は、全都道府県の小選挙区第１区に公認候補を擁立する意向を示している。浮動票が多い１区での議席獲得と比例票掘り起こしを狙う。===Fruitless tug-of-warThis seems to be a promising strategy for Ishin no Kai, which lacks organizational strength, but all parties will want to field candidates in the No. 1 constituencies. It is understandable that Ishin no Kai's unilateral approach has caused consternation among other parties. 組織力を欠く維新の会にとって有力な戦術だが、１区に擁立したいのはどの党も同様だ。一方的な維新の会の方針が、他党に違和感を広げたのも無理はない。The move to forge a third force has been the focus of attention because the DPJ and the LDP have continued a fruitless political tug-of-war that has led the nation's politics to languish in indecisiveness. 第３極の動向が注目されるのは、民主、自民両党が不毛な政争を繰り返し、「決められない政治」に陥っているからである。In a Yomiuri Shimbun opinion survey conducted earlier this month, respondents who said they support no particular political party rose to 53 percent, up 10 percentage points from the previous survey. Regarding a third force alliance involving Ishihara's new party, Ishin no Kai and others, 52 percent of respondents said they had high expectations for such an alliance. 読売新聞の今月初旬の世論調査では、支持政党のない無党派層が前回調査を１０ポイントも上回り、５３％に上った。「石原新党」や維新の会など第３極の連携については５２％の人が期待すると答えている。This is probably because of the popularity of Ishihara and Hashimoto, rather than any other factor. 石原氏や橋下氏の人気が先行しているからだろう。But the rise of a third force likely means there will be a large number of newly elected lawmakers without experience in national politics. What would this portend for Japan's politics? The public must think about this as well. しかし、第３極が台頭するということは、国政の場に政治経験の乏しい大量の新人議員が登場することでもある。そのことが日本の政治に何をもたらすかも、考えていかなければならない。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 7, 2012)（2012年11月7日01時20分 読売新聞）
Nov 8, 2012
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会計検査院報告 不適切な予算執行に猛省を
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 7, 2012)Govt offices lack awareness of critical fiscal conditions会計検査院報告 不適切な予算執行に猛省を（11月6日付・読売社説）Central government offices, it appears, are unaware that state finances are in a critical situation. 中央省庁には、財政が危機的な状況にあるという認識が欠如しているのではないか。This is the only deduction that can be made from an annual Board of Audit report on government accounts for fiscal 2011, which lists inappropriate government spending. A total of 529.6 billion yen in state funds were misused, the second-highest on record. 会計検査院がまとめた２０１１年度の決算検査報告書には、そう思うしかない不適切な予算執行が列挙されている。指摘された無駄遣いの総額は、過去２番目に多い５２９６億円に上った。The report found 89 sewage treatment plants across the country were being poorly operated after being built with subsidies from the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry. An excessive number of the plants were constructed due to erroneous demographic forecasts, causing spending of 25.7 billion yen to literally go down the drain. 国土交通省からの補助を受けて自治体が整備する下水処理場で、稼働実績の乏しい施設が全国で８９か所あった。人口予測を誤り、施設を造り過ぎたためで、国費２５７億円が無駄になった。Due to a failure in a screening system development project, the Patent Office suffered a loss of 5.4 billion yen that was paid to contractors. The board blamed this on the Patent Office's inadequate supervision and a lack of technical expertise on the part of the contractors. 特許庁は、審査システム開発事業の失敗で、請負業者に支払った開発費５４億円が損失となる。業者の技術力不足に加え、特許庁の管理態勢が不十分だったことが原因と、報告書は指摘する。Wasteful spending was also found in the income compensation system for individual farming households, which the Democratic Party of Japan-led administration trumpeted as one of its centerpiece policies. The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry was found to have provided subsidies to farming families ineligible for the money due to their poor handling of fertilizers. 民主党政権が目玉政策の一つとする農家への戸別所得補償制度でも、農林水産省は肥料の管理が劣悪で補償対象にならない農家にまで交付金を支払っていた。===Soul-searching urgedGovernment ministries and agencies must take seriously what has been pointed out by the board and ensure they spend their budgets properly. 各省庁は検査院の指摘を重く受けとめ、適切な予算執行に努めなければならない。It has once again been brought to light that not enough financial support has reached disaster-stricken areas to promote projects for reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake. 東日本大震災の復興事業では、被災地に支援が十分行き渡らない実態も改めて浮かび上がった。Of about 14.9 trillion yen earmarked in the fiscal 2011 budget for reconstruction projects, just 54 percent was spent. １１年度に計上された約１４兆９０００億円の復興予算のうち、使われたのは５４％にとどまった。Even allowing for the urgent need to secure budgets for reconstruction, in many cases budgets were formulated without confirming the actual needs of disaster-affected areas and their ability to put this money to work. A classic example was evident in projects for restoring agricultural facilities. Applications for financial support were sluggish because subsidies were limited to projects that would restore these facilities to their original condition. 緊急に予算を確保する必要があったとはいえ、被災地のニーズと対処する能力を把握しないまま、予算を組んだケースも少なくない。その典型例が農業施設復旧事業だ。原状復旧だけを対象としたため、申し込みが低調だった。The board called for the Reconstruction Agency and other government offices to work out fiscal assistance measures by assessing correctly the conditions of disaster-affected municipalities. This is a natural course of action. 検査院が復興庁などに対し、被災自治体の状況を踏まえた支援を求めたのは当然と言えよう。===Meet local needsA questionnaire survey conducted by the board of 58 affected cities, towns and villages showed they wanted government officials with expertise in civil engineering and construction dispatched to help and long-term personnel support. They also demanded that complicated paperwork be simplified. 被災した５８市町村を対象に検査院が実施したアンケートでは、土木・建築分野の専門職員の派遣や長期的な人材支援、さらに、煩雑な事務手続きの簡略化などを求める声が寄せられている。There is no doubt that increased burdens placed on local governments due to a shortage of employees are hampering the progress of reconstruction. The government must establish an assistance system that can meet the needs of affected local governments. 自治体職員の不足に伴う負担の増大が、復興の足かせになっていることは間違いない。政府はこうした現地の要望に応える支援態勢を整える必要がある。Some central government offices were found to have used reconstruction budgets for projects that did not directly help disaster-damaged areas. That the board in the first place never suspected reconstruction budgets might be diverted for other purposes and stopped short of pointing this out is just not good enough. 復興予算を巡っては、各省庁が被災地支援に直接結びつかない事業に「転用」した問題も判明している。検査院に当初、転用を疑問とする視点がなく、指摘に至らなかったのは物足りない。We want the Board of Audit to check exhaustively whether national spending has been used effectively for reconstruction in affected areas, and scrutinize budgetary appropriations themselves. 予算の内容精査とともに、被災地で使われた国費が復興に有効活用されたかどうかも、検査院はしっかりチェックしてほしい。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 6, 2012)（2012年11月6日01時32分 読売新聞）
Nov 7, 2012
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豊作でも高値 矛盾だらけのコメ政策見直せ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 6, 2012)Government should review contradictory rice policy豊作でも高値 矛盾だらけのコメ政策見直せ（11月5日付・読売社説）At this time of the autumn harvest, when new rice is being marketed, the contradictions of the country's rice policy have become glaringly apparent. There is no time to waste in carrying out agricultural reform. 新米が出回る実りの秋に、コメ政策の矛盾が噴き出している。農業改革は待ったなしだ。The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry has forecast a good harvest for this year's rice crop, the first in four years. The harvest is expected to reach about 8.2 million tons, surpassing demand by more than 200,000 tons. 農林水産省が発表した２０１２年産米の作況予想は４年ぶりの豊作で、収穫量は約８２０万トンと需要を２０万トン超も上回る見通しだ。However, rice prices have gone up despite the surplus. Interdealer rice prices in September were about 10 percent higher than those in the same month last year. This is because the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations (Zen-Noh) increased the amount of its advance payments to rice farmers. ところが、コメ余りなのに価格は上昇した。９月の業者間の取引価格は前年より１０％程度高い。全国農業協同組合連合会（ＪＡ全農）が、農家に払う前渡し金を引き上げたことが要因だ。Zen-Noh probably aims to maintain its influence over rice farmers by purchasing their grain at high prices because the volume of rice it collects from farmers has been falling as more and more producers sell directly to major consuming areas. 生産地と消費地の直接販売などが増え、全農の集荷量が減少しているため、高値買い取りで影響力維持を狙っているのだろう。Driving rice prices higher despite a good harvest is logic peculiar to agricultural cooperatives. It will never win the understanding of the public. 豊作で高値を招いているのは、「農協の論理」そのものだ。消費者の理解は得られまい。===Imported rice drawing attentionIt is also problematic that there is a shortage of reasonably priced rice used by restaurants and bento shops even though there should be enough rice to meet demand. This has made imported rice more attractive. In bidding in September, demand surpassed the 25,000 tons of imported rice to be sold by 3.6 times. 一方、需要は十分まかなえるはずなのに、外食店や弁当業者らの使う手頃な価格のコメが不足していることも問題だ。そこで輸入米が注目され、９月の入札では、２・５万トンの販売数量に対して３・６倍の申し込みがあった。Due to the deflation that has taken root in the country, demand for cheap rice is becoming stronger year by year. As a result, price competition within the restaurant and bento industries--which currently account for 30 percent of rice demand--has become increasingly fierce. The popularity of imported rice illustrates the reality that domestically produced rice does not meet the market trend toward low-priced rice. デフレ定着で安いコメを求める動きは年々強まり、需要の３割を占める外食・弁当産業の価格競争は激しさを増している。輸入米人気は、国産米が市場の低価格志向に応えていない実態を示す。There is also concern over a possible shortage of rice for processing, which is used to make rice snacks and miso, among other things. Despite the fact that the production of rice for livestock feed has jumped, that of rice for processing has not increased. Last year, the production of rice for livestock feed surpassed that of rice for processing. 米菓や味噌(みそ)などの原料となる加工用米の品不足も懸念される。家畜のエサとなる飼料用米は急増しているにもかかわらず、加工用米の生産量は増えない。１１年産は飼料用が加工用を上回った。As a result, prices of rice for processing surged, and the farm ministry took the emergency measure of marketing about 40,000 tons of old rice produced in 2006 from the government's stockpiled rice. This is an unusual situation. この結果、加工用米の価格が急騰し、農水省は緊急措置として備蓄米から０６年産の古米を約４万トン放出した。異例の事態である。===Subsidies driving crop choicesThe government pays rice farmers a subsidy of 80,000 yen for every 0.1 hectare of rice for livestock feed, but only 20,000 yen for rice for processing. This is why planting of rice for livestock feed, which is easy to manage and enables farmers to receive more subsidies, is increasing. 飼料用米は１０アール当たり８万円の補助金が支給されるが、加工用は２万円だ。管理が楽で多額の補助金がもらえる飼料用米の作付けが増えている事情がうかがえる。Livestock, including cattle and pigs, raised with feed produced overseas is not recognized as having been domestically produced and is therefore not considered in calculating the country's food self-sufficiency rate. The government appears to be trying to raise this rate by giving favorable treatment to rice for livestock feed. However, it is hard to understand why old rice is used for processing and new rice is used as feed for livestock. 外国産飼料で育てた牛や豚などの畜産物は国産と見なされず、食料自給率の計算外だ。政府は飼料用米を優遇し、自給率アップを狙っているようだが、加工用米が古米で、家畜のエサは新米というのは理解しがたい。What is needed is a rice policy that meets consumer needs. If nothing is done, consumers may shift away from rice even further. 今問われているのは、消費者ニーズに応えるコメ政策である。このままでは、消費者のコメ離れも一段と進みかねない。A fundamental problem lies in the current system under which the government and agricultural organizations maintain high rice prices through production adjustments and high tariffs on imported rice. 政府と農業団体が生産調整と高関税で、コメ価格を高値で維持する体制に根本的な問題がある。Simply doling out subsidies to farmers will never strengthen the country's agricultural industry. The government should quickly carry out reform to establish agricultural administration for rice whose policies will focus on farmers. 補助金をばらまく政策では農業の体質強化はできまい。担い手農家に政策を集中するコメ農政への改革を急ぐべきだ。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 5, 2012)（2012年11月5日01時29分 読売新聞）
Nov 7, 2012
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大学新設不認可 文科相の独断が混乱を招いた
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 5, 2012)Education minister's outrageous decision generates chaos大学新設不認可 文科相の独断が混乱を招いた（11月4日付・読売社説）It was a baffling decision. What we feared might happen has come to pass. 理解に苦しむ判断である。 危惧していたことが起きてしまった。Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Minister Makiko Tanaka has rejected the applications for government approval to establish three new universities. Tanaka has overturned, on her own judgment, a report by the council for university chartering and school juridical persons--an advisory body to the minister--that favored endorsing the establishment of the three schools. This is apparently the first time in 30 years that an education minister has reversed the council's approval for setting up a university. 田中文部科学相が、３大学の新設申請を不認可とした。文科相の諮問機関である大学設置・学校法人審議会が「新設を認可する」とした答申を独断で覆した。過去３０年で初のケースという。At a news conference Friday, Tanaka said, "A large number of universities have been established, but the quality of education in universities has been in alarming decline." She added that the approval system for setting up universities needs to be reviewed from top to bottom. 田中文科相は記者会見で、「大学はたくさん作られてきたが、教育の質自体が低下している」と述べ、現行の大学設置認可制度を見直す考えを明らかにした。Tanaka, however, did not give any explicit reason why the government will not allow approval for the three universities. だが、なぜ、この３校の新設を認めないのか、という明確な理由は示さなかった。Some ministry officials said Tanaka "simply made a policy decision as minister." However, we think it can only be described as an outrageous decision stemming from the misguided concept of "politician-led decision-making."文科省は「大臣の政策的判断」と説明するが、政治主導をはき違えた、あまりに乱暴な判断と言うほかない。===Lack of consistencyThe council's report was compiled after extensively examining the planned schools' faculty and other education arrangements and their management and financial planning based on university establishment guidelines set by the education ministry. そもそも、設置審の認可答申は、文科省が定めた大学設置基準などに基づいて、３校の教育体制や財務計画を精査した末に出された結論である。Admittedly, the minister has the final say when it comes to accepting or rejecting the applications. But Tanaka's refusal to go along with the establishment of three new schools that the council said met the guidelines could be criticized as an abuse of power. 文科相が最終的な認可権限を持つとはいえ、基準を満たした３校の新設を大臣の判断で認めなかったことは、「裁量権の乱用」と批判されても仕方がない。On top of this, the education minister gave the go-ahead to new departments and postgraduate courses at other universities--as endorsed by the advisory council. Can she clearly explain the inconsistency between these approvals and her rejection of the establishment of the three universities? しかも、田中文科相は、設置審が認可答申を出した、他大学の学部や大学院の新設については認可している。大学新設だけを不認可としたこととの整合性をきちんと説明できるのだろうか。The minister's arbitrary decision will unleash immeasurable confusion. 文科相の独断と暴走がもたらす混乱は計り知れない。The three universities that had been preparing to open next spring had secured teachers and constructed facilities. Mayor Motomu Hozumi of Akita city, which was planning to open one of the schools, to be named Akita Municipal College of Fine Arts, has unsurprisingly expressed his intention to urge Tanaka to rescind her decision. 来春開校予定だった大学側は校舎整備を進め、教員も確保している。３校の一つ、秋田公立美術大の開校を目指す穂積志・秋田市長が、不認可の撤回を求める方針を表明したのは当然と言える。Understandably, people wishing to enroll at these schools have been caught off guard at being told that the schools have been rejected so soon before they were scheduled to open. 入学希望者から「直前に言われても困る」といった声が上がるのも無理はない。=== Review of universities neededConditions at universities are becoming increasingly stringent. 一方で、大学を取り巻く状況は厳しさを増している。Despite fewer students due to the chronically low birthrate, new universities have been established one after another since regulations were eased. As a result, the number of universities has swollen 50 percent more than the figure of 20 years ago. 少子化で学生が減少しているにもかかわらず、規制緩和により大学の新設が続き、大学の数は２０年前の１・５倍にまで膨らんだ。Some universities have been struggling to stay afloat financially as enrollment falls below quotas. Just last month, the education ministry decided to order an education corporation running a university in Gunma Prefecture to be disbanded because of sloppy management. 大学の中には、定員割れで経営難に陥るところもあり、先月には群馬県内で大学を運営する学校法人に文科省が解散命令を発動することを決めたばかりだ。The government's university policy needs to be reviewed. But this overhaul must be kept separate from the issue of approving or disapproving the establishment of individual universities, and be discussed in detail by such entities as the ministry's Central Council for Education from medium- and long-range perspectives. 大学政策の見直しは必要だが、その際には、個別の大学の認可とは切り離し、中長期的な視点から、中央教育審議会などの場でしっかりと議論すべきである。That a conclusion reached in line with existing rules on an important matter is reversed because of grandstanding by a trouble-making minister will only deprive the administration of its continuity and generate confusion at education facilities. 問題閣僚のスタンドプレーで現行ルールに沿った結論が覆されるようでは行政の継続性は失われ、教育現場が混乱するだけだ。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 4, 2012)（2012年11月4日01時34分 読売新聞）
Nov 6, 2012
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米産牛肉輸入 規制緩和は現実的な判断だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 4, 2012)Easing import restrictions on U.S. beef justifiable米産牛肉輸入 規制緩和は現実的な判断だ（11月3日付・読売社説）Although it appears a little belated, a judgment the government has now made can safely be called a realistic approach based on scientific knowledge and international trends in connection with an important issue. 遅きに失した感はあるが、科学的知見と国際動向を踏まえた現実的な判断と言えよう。The Cabinet Office's Food Safety Commission is in favor of the planned easing of current regulations on imports of U.S.-produced beef, which have been part of measures to protect against bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly known as mad cow disease. 内閣府・食品安全委員会が、ＢＳＥ（牛海綿状脳症）対策で実施されている米国産牛肉の輸入規制を緩和する方針を了承した。In the proposed regulatory easing, imports will be allowed for beef from cattle "30 months of age or younger," compared to the current maximum age of 20 months.The commission has reasonably concluded that the easing of import restrictions "will hardly increase the BSE risks and its effect on human health should be considered negligible." 輸入対象を「月齢２０か月以下」から「３０か月以下」に広げる。条件を緩めても「リスクの差は小さく、健康への影響は無視できる」と結論付けたのは妥当だ。Immediately after the outbreak of BSE-infected cattle was confirmed in 2003 in the United States, Japan suspended imports of U.S. beef. 米国で２００３年にＢＳＥ感染が確認されたのを受け、日本は米国産牛肉の輸入を停止した。In 2005, the government gave the go-ahead to the resumption of beef imports from the United States on condition that imports would be allowed only for beef from cattle "20 months of age or younger" with the nerve tissues called specific risk material, where BSE-causing prion molecules tend to concentrate, having been removed.０５年に、「２０か月以下」で原因物質がたまりやすい危険部位を除去した牛に限って再開していた。===Linkage with TPP talksBSE is said to occur when prions, aberrant proteins, accumulate in cattle's brain, spinal cord and other places. ＢＳＥは、たんぱく質の一種が異常化し、脳や脊髄などに蓄積されて発生する。The disease has been transmitted primarily through the use of cattle feed that includes meat and bone meal made from other cattle. BSE-infected cattle numbered 37,000 worldwide in the peak year of 1992.感染牛の肉骨粉を飼料に使ったことから広がり、ピークの１９９２年には世界で３万７０００頭に達した。The numbers of cattle developing BSE, however, decreased year after year, falling to just 29 in 2011. This is because strict anti-BSE measures adopted by countries concerned produced excellent results. しかし、発生頭数は年々減少し、昨年は２９頭にとどまった。各国が導入した厳しい飼料規制が効果を上げたのだろう。The criterion of "cattle 30 months of age or younger" has become a standard part of many major countries' beef import regulations. 主要国の輸入規制は「３０か月以下」が標準だ。As BSE threats shrink worldwide, there appears to be no necessity for Japan alone to continue to impose stricter regulations. 世界的に沈静化したのに、日本だけが厳しい規制を続ける必要性は薄れている。Opposition to regulatory easing by some consumer groups on the ground that it will "threaten food safety" is unpersuasive. 一部の消費者団体などが、「食の安全が脅かされる」として緩和に反対しているのは、説得力を欠くのではないか。The issue of Japan's readiness to ease beef import restrictions has been intertwined with the issue of Japan's participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations, and Washington has paid close attention to the beef import issue. 牛肉の輸入規制緩和は、日本の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉参加に関連し、米国が強い関心を示していた問題でもある。The government should make steady efforts to ease beef import restrictions for the sake of early participation in the TPP talks. 政府は着実に実施することで、交渉参加も急ぐべきだ。The government at the same time must review the BSE inspection system for domestic beef. 併せて、国産牛の検査体制の見直しも必要である。=== Review all cattle inspectionsJapan's first known occurrence of BSE-stricken cattle was in 2001, and a total of 36 domestically produced cattle have so far been confirmed to be infected with the disease. No outbreak of BSE, however, has been reported after fiscal 2008. 国内では０１年に初めてＢＳＥが発生し、これまで３６頭が確認されたが、０９年度以降はゼロだ。The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry asked the World Health Organization in September to change Japan's BSE risk status from a "country with controlled risk" to that of a "country with negligible risk." 農林水産省は今年９月、日本のＢＳＥ発生リスクの分類を「リスクが管理された国」から「リスクが無視できる国」にするよう国際機関に申請した。Regarding domestic beef, the Food Safety Commission has approved easing the range of cattle subject to BSE checks from "21 months of age or older" to "31 months of age or older." The regulation should be eased further. 食品安全委員会も、国産牛の検査対象について、「月齢２１か月以上」から「３１か月以上」への緩和を了承したが、もう一段の緩和が求められよう。Only Japan and the European Union conduct BSE checks in the process of cattle slaughter. Cattle subject to the checks in the EU are those "older than 72 months of age," far less stringent in Japan. 食肉処理時の検査を実施しているのは日本と欧州連合（ＥＵ）のみだ。ＥＵは基本的に「７２か月超」と条件が日本より緩い。Currently, there is no national legal obligation for domestic beef cattle 20 months of age or younger to undergo BSE checks, but local governments all over the country have continued to make all cattle subject to the inspections at their own discretion. 現在、２０か月以下の牛は検査を義務付けられていないが、全国の自治体が独自に全頭検査を続けている。Considering the time and expense required to conduct the inspections, the wisdom of local governments continuing to check all cattle should be reconsidered. 費用と労力を考えれば、全頭検査も見直すべきである。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 3, 2012)（2012年11月3日01時30分 読売新聞）
Nov 5, 2012
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電機大手赤字 大胆な成長戦略で復活目指せ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 3, 2012)Electronics makers must retool with bold new growth strategies電機大手赤字 大胆な成長戦略で復活目指せ（11月2日付・読売社説）The performance of leading electronics makers continues to deteriorate. Faced with intensifying competition from South Korean and other overseas rivals, Japanese firms urgently need to retool their corporate comeback strategies. 電機大手の業績悪化に歯止めがかからない。韓国企業などとの競争は激しく、復活に向けた戦略立て直しが急務だ。Panasonic Corp. has announced it expects to post a consolidated net loss of 765 billion yen in fiscal 2012, a downward revision of its projected business performance. Although the company initially estimated a net profit of 50 billion yen, it now faces a situation as serious as when it posted a colossal loss in fiscal 2011. パナソニックは、２０１３年３月期連結決算の業績予想を下方修正し、税引き後利益が７６５０億円の赤字になると発表した。当初、５００億円の黒字を見込んでいたが、前期の巨額赤字に匹敵する深刻な事態である。According to Panasonic President Kazuhiro Tsuga, "In digital consumer electronics, we've been in the losing group. Even though we went through structural reform, things only improved temporarily. It's a highly unusual situation." His remarks underline the firm's grim situation. 津賀一宏社長は、「デジタル家電で負け組となっている。構造改革を実施しても一時的に良くなるだけで普通の状態でない」と述べた。発言に込めた意味は重い。The primary factor behind Panasonic's sizable loss is poor performance in its main product lines--flat-screen TVs, digital cameras and cell phones. 巨額赤字の主因は、薄型テレビ、デジタルカメラ、携帯電話などの本業が低迷したことだ。===Major merger was a misstepIn a major merger in 2009, Panasonic acquired Sanyo Electric Co. as part of its strategy to replace its TV business with solar and lithium-ion batteries as its core sectors. The purchase, however, turned out to be a miscalculation. パナソニックは０９年に三洋電機を買収した。テレビ事業に代わる中核として太陽電池やリチウムイオン電池事業に期待した戦略だったが、誤算に終わった。The firm's performance this fiscal year was greatly affected by its decision to make a sizable write-off in sectors including solar batteries. The decision was prompted by the realization that the investment made to acquire Sanyo had been a flop. 三洋買収による巨額投資を事実上、失敗と認め、今期中に太陽電池事業などの減損処理に踏み切ることも業績に大きく響いた。To rebuild, Panasonic plans to expedite moves away from money-losing product lines, such as by liquidating overseas flat-screen TV factories. Although we see such moves as appropriate, the company's biggest problem is the lack of a clear growth plan. パナソニックが経営立て直しへ、海外の薄型テレビの組み立て拠点を清算するなど、不採算事業の縮小を急ぐのは妥当だ。最大の問題は、明確な成長シナリオが描けていないことにある。How will the electronics giant make progress in its strategic shift toward emphasizing profitability over a focus on sales numbers? It also remains to be seen how quickly it can implement managerial reforms. 売り上げ規模の追求ではなく、採算を重視していくという戦略転換をどう進めるか。経営改革のスピードが問われよう。Meanwhile, the losses continue for Sharp Corp., which is currently going through a corporate rebuilding process. 一方、経営再建途上にあるシャープも、赤字が止まらない。Sharp has announced it expects to log a record net loss of 450 billion yen in fiscal 2012, a sizable downward revision of its initial projection.１３年３月期決算の税引き後赤字を過去最大の４５００億円とし、当初見込みから大幅に下方修正した。The outlook is rocky for the firm's small and midsize liquid crystal display business, which the company has seen as its trump card in its overall corporate reconstruction. 再建の切り札と位置づける中小型の液晶パネル事業は、前途多難だ。With an urgent need for cash, the company must quickly conclude a capital partnership agreement with Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. of Taiwan.自己資本の増強も必要で、台湾・鴻海(ホンハイ)精密工業との資本提携交渉の早期妥結が求められる。===Conditions are tough for allSony, on the other hand, is projected to post a profit in the current fiscal year, though its TV business continues to be sluggish. The firm needs to find a new core business that can support continued growth. ソニーは今期の黒字を確保する見通しだが、テレビ事業の不振は続いており、成長の柱となる新たな事業を求めて模索が続く。All Japanese manufacturers, not only electronics makers, have been exposed to the adverse winds of economic slowdowns overseas, a strongly appreciating yen, and ever-intensifying competition with foreign rivals. 電機など製造業各社はそろって海外経済の減速、超円高、競争激化などの逆風にさらされている。Damage has also been done by declining sales in China, a consequence of the diplomatic tension between Japan and China.日中関係の悪化に伴い、中国での販売減少も打撃になってきた。The keys to revival appear to be in discerning the needs of emerging markets with strong growth potential and developing strategically important products through originality and ingenuity. 成長が見込まれる新興国市場などのニーズを各社が発掘し、創意工夫で戦略的な商品を開発することが復活のカギを握るだろう。We find it encouraging that start-up companies producing Japan-made appliances that primarily cater to emerging countries have appeared. These firms possess technological prowess and unique designs. 技術力とデザインを生かし、新興国向けの“日の丸家電”を製造しようとするベンチャー企業がでてきたことは心強い。We hope Japanese electronics makers large and small can shrug off adversity and wield their latent power.大手も含めて各社が逆境をはね返し、底力を発揮してもらいたい。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 2, 2012)（2012年11月2日01時43分 読売新聞）
Nov 4, 2012
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衆院代表質問 懸案先送りでは展望開けない
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 2, 2012)Key pending issues suffering neglect in new Diet session衆院代表質問 懸案先送りでは展望開けない（11月1日付・読売社説）Debate has begun in the Diet. However, it seems that we cannot expect constructive developments in which the ruling and opposition parties actively seek common ground through Diet deliberations and move politics forward. 国会審議を通じて、与野党が積極的に接点を探り、政治を動かす。 そんな前向きの展開は期待できそうにない論戦のスタートである。Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe faced off with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda for the first time Wednesday during interpellations on Noda's policy speech by party representatives in the plenary session of the House of Representatives. 野田首相の所信表明演説に対する各党の代表質問が衆院本会議で行われ、自民党の安倍総裁が首相と初めて対決した。Concerning Noda's promise to dissolve the lower house for a general election "sometime soon," Abe pressed him to dissolve the lower house by the end of this year, saying Noda "must bear the responsibility for his words." 安倍氏は、首相が約束した「近いうち」の衆院解散・総選挙について、「その言葉に責任を持たねばならない」として、年内の解散を決断するよう迫った。Noda only said, "I'll make a decision properly if conditions [for the dissolution] are met." As those conditions, he referred to the enactment of a bill that will allow the government to issue deficit-covering bonds and rectification of vote-value disparities in lower house elections. 首相は、赤字国債の発行を認める特例公債法案の成立や衆院選の「１票の格差」是正など、解散の「条件が整えば、きちんと判断をしたい」と語るにとどめた。With Democratic Party of Japan members leaving the party one after another, the foundation of Noda's administration is crumbling away beneath him. 民主党の離党者が続き、野田政権の基盤は一層揺らいでいる。The DPJ will inevitably suffer a crushing defeat if it goes into the lower house election amid its current low approval ratings. Noda probably wants to delay the lower house dissolution with an eye out for the timing that would best help the party minimize its loss of seats. However, there is no prospect for that. 支持率が低迷する中で衆院選を迎えた場合、民主党の大敗は免れない。首相にすれば、解散を先延ばしし、議席減少を極力抑えられる時期を模索したいのだろうが、その展望は開けていない。===Local govts await bond billThe delay in the enactment of the bill to issue deficit-covering bonds currently seriously affects local governments' finances. Noda should not shy away from an early dissolution of the lower house and needs to take action on his own to obtain cooperation from the opposition parties. 特例公債法案の成立の遅れは、地方財政に深刻な影響を及ぼしている。首相は、早期解散から逃げることなく、野党の協力取り付けに自ら動く必要がある。Abe, for his part, should immediately end his party's self-righteous boycott of the current extraordinary Diet session based on a censure resolution against Noda and cooperate in the enactment of the bill to issue deficit-covering bonds since he said he fully realizes the importance of the bill and other key issues. 安倍氏も、特例公債法案などの「重要性は十分認識している」と言う以上、首相問責決議に基づく独善的な審議拒否を早急に撤回して、法案成立に協力すべきだ。Regarding the rebuilding of Japan's diplomacy, Abe called for changing the government's interpretation of the Constitution so that Japan will be able to exercise the right to collective self-defense, a stance that aims to rebuild the Japan-U.S. alliance. Noda rejected a change in the government's interpretation of the Constitution for the moment, but said, "There should be various discussions." 日本外交の再建に関して安倍氏は、「日米同盟を再構築」するため、集団的自衛権の行使を可能にするよう政府の憲法解釈の変更を求めた。首相は、当面の解釈変更を否定しつつ、「様々な議論があってしかるべきだ」と述べた。Strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance is crucial for protecting the nation's territory and improving relationships with China and South Korea. Because the right to collective self-defense is an issue that concerns the very basis of the nation's security, it is desirable for a cross-party consensus to be formed. We hope the ruling and opposition parties will deepen discussions on the issue to enable the government to exercise the right. 領土を守り、中国、韓国との関係を改善するうえで、日米同盟の強化は欠かせない。集団的自衛権は安全保障の根幹にかかわる問題だけに、超党派の合意形成が望ましい。与野党は、行使を可能にする方向で議論を深めてほしい。===Trade deal sadly neglectedAs for the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade framework, Abe stressed that he "opposes Japan's participation in its negotiations as long as it [the TPP] presupposes the elimination of tariffs with no exceptions." Noda only said he will decide on Japan's official participation in the TPP negotiations based on developments in discussions both within Japan and with countries concerned. 環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）について、安倍氏は、「聖域なき関税撤廃を前提にする限り、交渉参加に反対する」と強調した。首相も、国内の議論や関係国との協議の進展を踏まえて、正式参加を判断するとだけ語った。It is regrettable that both Abe and Noda are so reticent on the issue, although Japan's participation in the TPP negotiations is an urgent task for the revitalization of the economy. 経済再生のためにも交渉参加が急務なのに、両者とも消極姿勢だったのは残念である。It is also problematic that the ruling parties are cautious about convening the Budget Committee, which is normally opened after the interpellations by party representatives. It is said this is because they want to duck the opposition parties' questions on Noda's responsibility in appointing former Justice Minister Keishu Tanaka to the post. Such an attitude only worsens the stagnation of the nation's politics. 問題なのは、代表質問後に通常開かれる予算委員会に与党が慎重なことだ。田中慶秋前法相の任命責任など野党の追及を避けたいためとされる。そんな姿勢では政治が一層停滞してしまう。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 1, 2012)（2012年11月1日08時23分 読売新聞）
Nov 3, 2012
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追加金融緩和 政府・日銀は効果的な連携を
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 1, 2012)Govt, BOJ must cooperate effectively on monetary policy追加金融緩和 政府・日銀は効果的な連携を（10月31日付・読売社説）The government and the Bank of Japan are clearly strengthening their cooperation in tackling deflation. What they must do now is implement effective policies. デフレ脱却を目指し、政府・日銀が連携を強化する姿勢を明確にした。肝心なのは効果的な政策の実行である。The central bank has decided to take additional monetary steps, including a boost to 91 trillion yen, up 11 trillion yen, in its fund to buy government bonds and other financial assets. The bank also hammered out a new system to provide funds at low interest rates to banks that have increased lending. It said it would refrain from setting an upper limit on lending to ensure an ample supply of funds. 日銀が国債などを買い入れる基金を１１兆円上積みし、９１兆円とする追加金融緩和策を決めた。貸し出しを増やした銀行に、日銀が低利で資金供給する新制度も打ち出した。総額に上限を設けず、手厚く供給するという。Due to slowdowns in overseas economies and the deterioration of Japan-China relations, the nation's economy has started to cool off. The Bank of Japan was wise to take additional steps for the second consecutive month to prevent the economy from worsening. 海外経済の減速や日中関係の悪化の影響で、景気は冷え込み始めた。腰折れを防ぐため、日銀が２か月連続で追加策に踏み切ったのは妥当な判断と言えよう。Previous increases in the central bank's fund have not been effective in pumping sufficient funds into companies and other entities. We hope the new system will be more productive in increasing bank lending. 基金を積み増す従来の手法では企業などに資金が十分に行き渡らない。新制度によって貸し出しが増加することに期待したい。===Joint statement importantFor the first time, the government and the Bank of Japan issued a joint statement saying they would "work together and make utmost efforts" to overcome deflation. 政府・日銀がデフレ脱却に向けて「一体となって最大限の努力を行う」という、初めての共同文書も発表した。Seiji Maehara, state minister for economic and fiscal policy, who attended the central bank's monetary policy-setting meeting, stressed at a press conference that the statement was an important step forward in combating deflation. It is essential that the touting of cooperation between the government and the central bank does not end up as empty talk. 金融政策決定会合に出席した前原経済財政相は記者会見で、「重要な一歩になる」と強調した。政府・日銀の協調を「かけ声倒れ」に終わらせないことが大切だ。The central bank decided to take the additional measures--including introduction of the new system--apparently because it feared its projection of overcoming deflation "as early as fiscal 2014, in the not-too-distant future" was not feasible. 日銀が新制度を含む追加策に動いた背景には、「２０１４年度以降、遠からず」としていたデフレ脱却の時期が遅れることへの危機感があるのだろう。On the same day as the announcement of additional monetary steps, the Bank of Japan forecast that consumer prices would increase 0.8 percent in fiscal 2014, below the 1 percent yardstick for overcoming deflation. 日銀が追加策とあわせて発表した１４年度の物価上昇率の見込みは「０・８％」で、デフレ脱却のメドとなる「１％」を下回った。The consumption tax rate is scheduled to be raised to 8 percent in April 2014. Efforts must be accelerated to overcome deflation through all available measures, so no obstacles will be thrown in the way of integrated reform of social security and tax systems. １４年４月には消費税率が８％に引き上げられる予定である。社会保障・税一体改革に支障の出ないよう、政策を総動員し、デフレ脱却を急がねばならない。===Nurture new industriesSome government officials and lawmakers from the ruling and opposition parties have called on the Bank of Japan to purchase foreign bonds to correct the yen's appreciation and to introduce an inflation target. The government and central bank should further deepen their discussions on these matters. 政府や与野党には、円高是正を目指した外債購入や、インフレ目標の導入などを日銀に求める声もある。政府と日銀がさらに論議を深めることが求められる。It is primarily the government's task to address structural problems, such as the shrinking population, declining potential growth rate and industrial hollowing-out. The small emergency economic measures decided by the Cabinet last week are far from satisfactory. 人口減少や潜在成長率の低下、産業空洞化など、構造問題への対応は主として政府の役割である。先週に閣議決定された小規模な緊急経済対策では全く不十分だ。We hope new industries will be nurtured in such growth areas as nursing care and medicine as well as environment-related industries to accelerate the creation of jobs. 介護・医療や環境などの成長分野で新産業を育成し、雇用の創出も加速させてもらいたい。It also is necessary to support economic revitalization by securing a stable supply of electricity through the reactivation of nuclear power plants after their safety has been confirmed. 安全を確認できた原子力発電所を再稼働して電力の安定供給を図り、経済再生を後押しする態勢を整える必要もある。More importantly, a bill to enable the government to issue deficit-covering bonds, which will secure resources for this fiscal year's initial budget, should be passed by the Diet as soon as possible. If state coffers become depleted and administrative functions suspended, sudden and severe deflationary pressures will deal the Japanese economy a deadly blow. Such confusion must be avoided. 何より、今年度当初予算の財源を確保する特例公債法案の成立を急ぐべきだ。国庫が底をつき、行政機能が停止すれば、急激なデフレ圧力で日本経済は致命的な打撃を受ける。こうした混乱は回避しなければならない。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 31, 2012)（2012年10月31日01時16分 読売新聞）
Nov 2, 2012
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演説拒否の参院 不要論を加速させる愚行だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 31, 2012)After turning Noda away, can upper house justify existence?演説拒否の参院 不要論を加速させる愚行だ（10月30日付・読売社説）For the first time in the postwar era, a prime minister has not made a policy speech in the House of Councillors. This leaves an indelible stain on the history of constitutional government. 戦後初の事態である。 憲政史上に汚点を残す愚行と言うほかない。Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda delivered his policy speech only in the House of the Representatives plenary session on the opening day of an extraordinary Diet session Monday. He could not do so in the upper house because the opposition parties controlling the chamber refused to comply with a request to hold a plenary session. 野田首相の所信表明演説が衆院本会議だけで行われた。参院では、多数を占める野党が、本会議開会に応じなかったためだ。Making a policy speech during a plenary session provides an important opportunity for a prime minister to present basic policies on international and domestic issues. In response to the speech, representatives from the ruling and opposition parties interpellate the government as full-scale parliamentary debate is launched. This procedure has been customarily observed in the Diet. 所信表明演説は、首相が外交、内政にわたって基本方針を示す重要な機会だ。これを受けて与野党の代表質問で論戦が本格化するのが国会の慣例となっている。The upper house caucuses of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, two major opposition parties, insist they refused to have Noda appear in the upper house plenary session because a censure motion against him had been approved in the same chamber during the previous ordinary session of the Diet. 参院の自民、公明両党などは、先の通常国会で野田首相問責決議を可決した以上、首相を本会議場に迎えられないと主張する。===Unreasonable excuse"It was the desire of the upper house caususes not to invite him to make a policy speech," they said. "This does not mean we refuse to enter deliberations." Such sophistry is inexcusable.「参院の意思で所信表明を求めなかった。審議拒否ではない」と釈明するが、こんな詭弁(きべん)は通らない。Upper house censure motions against former Prime Ministers Yasuo Fukuda and Taro Aso were approved and they stepped down as a result. But they did so before the next Diet session convened. So Noda is the first prime minister to enter a Diet session after a censure motion had been approved. 過去に問責された福田、麻生両首相は結果的に次の国会審議前に退陣した。問責された首相が次の国会に臨むのは初めてとなる。The opposition camp must discontinue its pernicious tactics of refusing to enter Diet deliberations following approval of the censure motion and bring to an end its fruitless struggle with the ruling parties. 野党は、問責決議に伴う審議拒否戦術という悪弊を断ち、不毛な応酬に終止符を打つべきだ。In the first place, a censure motion in the upper house is not legally binding, unlike a no-confidence motion against the cabinet in the lower house. This is because a prime minister is not permitted to take any counteraction in the upper house, while a no-confidence motion in the lower house can lead to dissolution of that chamber. It also runs counter to the constitutional principle that gives the lower house precedence over the upper chamber. そもそも、参院の問責決議は、衆院の内閣不信任決議と違って、法的な拘束力はない。首相は参院に対し、衆院解散のような対抗手段がなく、衆院の優越を定めた憲法の理念にも反するからだ。It is natural for the upper house not to be given the means to make a prime minister resign because members of that house serve six-year terms. ６年間の安定した任期がある参院に首相を辞任させる手立てが認められないのは当然である。===LDP's move bafflingThe LDP's behavior on the matter is incomprehensible. 理解し難いのは自民党だ。As a reason for submitting the censure motion in question, the opposition parties cited the bill to increase the consumption tax rate as "betraying the will of the people." But the LDP, based on an agreement with the Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito, voted for the bill in the Diet. It is appalling that the LDP is brandishing the censure motion approved in the previous Diet session as a political tool in the current extraordinary session to attack the government. この問責決議は、消費増税法が「国民の声に背く」ことを理由に挙げたが、自民党は民自公３党合意に基づいて法案に賛成し、成立させた当事者である。自己否定する決議を今国会でも振りかざす理不尽さには唖然(あぜん)とさせられる。Under the divided Diet, the opposition-controlled upper house has abused its powers repeatedly, throwing Diet business into chaos. It is lamentable for the LDP and Komeito to apparently take revenge on the DPJ-led government for the hardships they suffered in the upper house when they formed a coalition government. 衆参ねじれ国会では、野党の制する参院が再三、権限を乱用し、国会を混乱させてきた。与党として参院に苦しめられた自民、公明両党が野党転落後、意趣返しを繰り返しているのは嘆かわしい。An upper house Budget Committee session is scheduled to be held. This is because the opposition parties want to question the government on scandals involving Cabinet ministers. They plan to ask Noda to attend the session to take him to task for appointing Keishu Tanaka, who resigned as justice minister before the extraordinary Diet session convened. 一方で、参院は予算委員会を開催する方向だ。閣僚の不祥事を追及するとともに、首相の出席を求めて田中慶秋前法相を起用した任命責任をただすためだという。If they do this, how will the LDP and Komeito explain their inconsistency between refusing to allow the prime minister to deliver a policy speech in the upper house and holding a Budget Committee session with Noda in attendance? それが事実ならば、本会議での首相演説を拒否したこととの整合性をどう説明するのか。Moreover, the LDP and Komeito upper house caucuses said they would refuse in principle to enter deliberations on government-proposed bills in other upper house committees. We wonder why the LDP is adopting such an opportunistic and inconsistent policy toward Diet business while it is trying to regain power? しかも、参院は、他の委員会での政府提出法案審議は原則、拒否するとしている。政権復帰を目指す自民党までが、このようなご都合主義で、ちぐはぐな国会対応を採用するつもりなのか。If the upper chamber becomes a political football, it will inevitably inflame the smoldering argument under the divided Diet that the upper house is unnecessary. 参院が「政争の府」に堕するようでは、ねじれ国会の下でくすぶる「不要論」が加速するのは避けられないだろう。(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 30, 2012)（2012年10月30日01時18分 読売新聞）
Nov 1, 2012
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