The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 25, 2012)
Set new, realistic target for greenhouse gas reductions
温暖化ガス削減 「２５％」は撤回し現実的目標を（5月24日付・読売社説）
The government should immediately withdraw Japan's target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent from 1990 levels by 2020.
「２０２０年までに１９９０年比で２５％削減」という日本の温室効果ガス削減目標は、速やかに撤回すべきだ。
This ill-advised target spelled out by former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama at a U.N. meeting three years ago is totally unrealistic. Estimates released Wednesday by the Environment Ministry's Central Environment Council are obvious proof of this.
３年前に鳩山元首相が国連の会合で打ち出したこの無謀な目標が、どれほど非現実的か。それを如実に示しているのが、環境省の中央環境審議会が公表した試算である。
The council compiled the estimates in the wake of the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. It calculated reduction rates in greenhouse gases in 2020 based on five different ratios of nuclear power in relation to the country's total power generation, from 0 percent to a maximum of 35 percent.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故を受けて実施した試算は、将来の全発電量に占める原発の比率を、０％から最大３５％まで５段階に分け、２０年時点の温室効果ガスの削減率をはじき出した。
Nuclear power plants, which emit almost no carbon dioxide when they generate electricity, are an important energy source in terms of fighting global warming.
発電時に二酸化炭素をほとんど出さない原発は、地球温暖化対策上、重要なエネルギーである。
The estimates show Japan may be able to cut greenhouse gas emissions by a maximum of only 19 percent in 2020 from 1990 levels, even if the ratio of nuclear power generation is raised to 35 percent from the 26 percent level before the nuclear crisis and energy-saving policies are thoroughly implemented.
試算では、事故直前に２６％だった原発比率を３５％に引き上げ、省エネルギー政策を徹底した場合でさえ、削減率は９０年比で最大１９％にとどまった。
===
More nuclear power unlikely
Currently, the country has no operating nuclear reactors and there are no prospects of them being restarted. Nuclear reactors must be reactivated soon to ensure a stable supply of electricity, but it can hardly be assumed that the ratio of nuclear power generation will be higher than before the nuclear crisis.
現在、稼働する原発はゼロとなり、再稼働のメドすら立っていない。電力の安定供給を図るため、早期稼働が求められるが、将来の原発比率を事故前より引き上げることは、およそ考えにくい。
We can safely say that achieving the 25 percent reduction target will be difficult even if purchases of overseas emissions quotas and the absorption of greenhouse gases by forests in Japan are taken into account.
海外からの排出枠購入や国内の森林のガス吸収分を加えても、２５％削減は達成困難と言えよう。
As the Kyoto Protocol will expire at the end of this year, a U.N. conference will enter full-scale discussions to formulate new rules with the aim of putting them into effect in 2020.
京都議定書は、今年いっぱいで期限切れとなり、今後、２０２０年発効を目指して、新ルール作りが国連の会議で本格化する。
If Japan continues to tout the 25 percent reduction, which has already become an empty promise, there is no doubt it will be cornered into a disadvantageous situation in negotiations to decide on a new international framework for cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.
空手形と化した「２５％削減」を掲げたままでは、排出削減の新たな国際枠組みを決める交渉でも、日本が不利な状況に追い込まれるのは間違いない。
Japan's commitment to the 25 percent reduction was originally premised on building a fair framework with the participation of all major greenhouse gas emitters--including China and the United States, the world's two largest greenhouse producers--and reaching an agreement on ambitious targets.
そもそも日本が「２５％削減」に取り組むにあたっては、２大排出国の中国、米国を含む「すべての主要排出国による公平な枠組みの構築」と「意欲的な目標の合意」が前提条件になっている。
===
Heavy burden looms
However, Japan could be forced to assume obligations for extremely high reductions, as the 25 percent figure has taken on a life of its own.
だが、数値だけが独り歩きしている現状では、日本は極めて高い削減義務を負わされかねない。
The government therefore needs to set a new, feasible target so it will not repeat the failure of the Kyoto Protocol, under which Japan shouldered unfair reduction obligations.
不公平な削減義務を負った京都議定書の失敗を繰り返さないためにも、実現可能な目標を再設定する必要がある。
The government plans to announce a new energy strategy this summer. It is essential to decide appropriate ratios for electricity generated by different power sources, including nuclear power, and map out a target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions based on these ratios.
政府は今夏、新たなエネルギー戦略を打ち出す方針だ。原発を含めた適切な電力の比率を決め、それに基づき、温室効果ガスの削減目標も策定することが肝要だ。
Curbing greenhouse gas emissions is important to achieving energy conservation, but an unduly strict reduction target would adversely affect production. Such a target also could hinder reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake.
省エネを進めるうえで、排出削減は重要だが、厳しすぎる削減目標は、むしろ生産活動に悪影響を及ぼす。東日本大震災からの復興の足かせにもなりかねない。
We urge the government to set a target that will not dampen Japan's vitality.
日本の活力をそぐことのない目標設定が求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 24, 2012)
（2012年5月24日01時32分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 25, 2012)
China-Philippine confrontation a warning for Senkakus
中比対立激化 尖閣諸島でも警戒が必要だ（5月24日付・読売社説）
A confrontation between China--which has been building up its military in recent years--and the Philippines is intensifying over marine interests in the South China Sea. We urge both countries to engage in dialogue to prevent the dispute from escalating into military conflict.
南シナ海の海洋権益を巡り、軍事力を膨張させる中国とフィリピンとの対立が先鋭化してきた。対話を通じ、武力衝突を回避してもらいたい。
The confrontation started April 10 when a Philippine Navy warship inspected Chinese fishing vessels at Scarborough Shoal, which is called Huangyan Island in China. Beijing immediately responded by sending patrol ships to the area, and a standoff between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the waters has continued for more than one month.
南シナ海のスカボロー礁（中国名・黄岩島）で４月１０日、中国漁船がフィリピン海軍艦艇の立ち入り検査を受けたのを端緒に、中国が巡視船を派遣した。双方の艦船がにらみ合う状況が、もう１か月以上続いている。
Beijing and Manila both claim sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal.
スカボロー礁を巡っては、中比双方が領有権を主張している。
The Philippines has proposed that the territorial dispute be resolved through the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. It also has strengthened military ties with the United States--which recently unveiled a new defense strategy that places greater emphasis on Asia--through such measures as conducting joint military exercises. This appears to be an attempt to counter the huge military pressure from China.
フィリピンは国際海洋法裁判所で領有権問題を解決するよう提案した。さらに、「アジア重視」の国防戦略を打ち出した米国と、合同軍事演習を行うなど軍事協力を緊密化した。中国の強大な軍事圧力に対抗するためだろう。
===
Beijing's overwhelming power
Beijing issued a strong warning against the recent moves by Manila: "The Chinese side has made all preparations to respond to any escalation of the situation by the Philippine side."
これに対し中国は、「フィリピン側による事態の拡大に対応するための様々な準備ができている」と、強い警告を発した。
China's naval might is far superior to that of the Philippines and other nations near China. China even has a plan to deploy its first aircraft carrier soon. We urge China to refrain from taking a hard-line stance on the standoff.
フィリピンなど周辺国に比べて中国の海軍力は圧倒的だ。近い将来、空母配備の計画まである。中国は強硬姿勢を自制すべきだ。
Overreactions to the dispute have already emerged in China--travel agencies have suspended tours to the Philippines, and the government has stepped up quarantine inspections on bananas grown in the Philippines. The government has justified these responses by citing an increase of anti-China protests in the Philippines and the detection of pests in bananas, but it is likely that Beijing is attempting to pressure Manila over the shoal dispute.
中国の旅行会社がフィリピン観光を中止し、中国政府が比産バナナに対する検疫強化にまで出たのは過剰な反応だ。フィリピン国内での反中デモの高まりやバナナの害虫を理由としているが、フィリピンを圧迫する狙いがあろう。
China's reaction has shades of its response to the collisions between a Chinese fishing boat and Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels near the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea in autumn 2010. After this incident, Beijing piled pressure on Tokyo by restricting exports of rare earth minerals to Japan, for instance.
一昨年秋、東シナ海の尖閣諸島沖で起きた中国漁船衝突事件の後、レアアース（希土類）の輸出規制などで対日圧力を強めた手法と似通っている。
===
Don't turn blind eye to dispute
Japan cannot afford to ignore the Scarborough Shoal dispute, as the nation faces similar friction with China, which claims sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands.
尖閣諸島に対し領有権を主張する中国との摩擦を抱える日本にとっても、人ごとではない。
Chinese fisheries surveillance vessels routinely sail around the Senkaku Islands to make their presence felt. China's strategy of using fishing boats and fisheries patrol vessels to give the irreversible impression that the area belongs to China is identical to what is happening in the South China Sea. Japan must not let the situation in the East China Sea deteriorate to what is going on in the South China Sea.
尖閣諸島周辺では、中国の漁業監視船の示威行動が常態化している。漁船と監視船を組み合わせた行動で「中国の海」の既成事実化を図る中国の作戦は、南シナ海と同じだ。日本は東シナ海の南シナ海化を警戒せねばならない。
Peace and stability in the South China Sea is not only crucial for nations in Southeast Asia. It also is in Japan's national interest to ensure that its sea lanes remain safe.
南シナ海の平和と安定は、東南アジア諸国にとって不可欠であるだけでなく、シーレーン（海上交通路）の安全確保という観点から日本の国益でもある。
The Japanese government plans to use official development assistance to provide the Philippines with patrol vessels for its coast guard. This will help the Philippines strengthen its maritime security, and also be important in making China pause to think.
日本は政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）を活用して、フィリピンに巡視船を供与する方針だ。フィリピンの海上警備の一助となるし、中国をけん制する上でも重要だろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 24, 2012)
（2012年5月24日01時31分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 24, 2012)
Long-term assistance key to achieving Afghan peace
ＮＡＴＯ会議 長期的アフガン支援が必要だ（5月23日付・読売社説）
Leaders from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization ended their meeting in Chicago on Monday after affirming the deadline for troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and pledging to provide long-term assistance for the troubled country.
アフガニスタンからの撤収期限を確認し、同時にアフガンへの長期的な支援継続も約束した。
The Chicago Summit Declaration adopted at the meeting clearly states that the combat mission of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) "will be concluded at the end of 2014" and the public safety forces of the Afghan government will start leading the combat missions in the middle of next year.
米国のシカゴで開かれた北大西洋条約機構（ＮＡＴＯ）首脳会議が、そんな成果を上げて閉幕した。
採択されたシカゴ宣言は、国際治安支援部隊（ＩＳＡＦ）の戦闘任務は「２０１４年末に完了する」と明記し、来年半ば以降、アフガン政府の治安部隊が戦闘任務を主導する、とうたっている。
To make this possible, NATO must make greater efforts to bolster the training and equipment of the Afghan force.
それを可能にするよう、ＮＡＴＯは、アフガン部隊の訓練や装備強化に一層努めるべきである。
Despite the presentation of a deadline for the pullout of ISAF combat units, there is no sign of combat with the Taliban coming to an end. To realize the withdrawal as scheduled, improvement of public safety is needed more than anything else.
ＩＳＡＦ戦闘部隊の撤収期限は示されても、旧支配勢力タリバンとの戦闘が終わる気配はない。予定通り帰還するには、何より治安の改善が必要だ。
===
Transition to self-reliance
Last year, the ISAF began a full transfer of security control to the Afghan side. We urge Afghan forces to enhance their capabilities and become able to stand on their own feet as soon as possible.
ＩＳＡＦは昨年からアフガン側へ治安権限の本格的な移譲を進めている。アフガン部隊の能力向上と早期自立が求められよう。
Given the protracted hostilities and the growing number of victims, public opinion has grown louder among NATO member nations for the early withdrawal of their troops from Afghanistan.
戦闘の長期化と犠牲者の増加に伴い、ＮＡＴＯ各国では自国軍部隊の早期撤収を求める世論が強まっている。
French President Francois Hollande pledged during his election campaign to advance the pullout of his country's troops by one year to "by the end of this year." He reaffirmed this commitment during the NATO meeting.
オランド仏大統領は、選挙戦で、仏軍部隊の撤収を予定より１年前倒しして「年内」と公約し、首脳会議でも明言した。
But if France resorts to early withdrawal without taking into consideration the Afghan situation, there is concern other countries will follow suit. If NATO's solidarity is weakened by this, it will only embolden the Taliban.
だが、現地情勢を勘案しないまま早急な撤収に走れば、追随する国が出る恐れもある。ＮＡＴＯの結束が緩むことになって、タリバンを勢いづかせるだけだ。
Afghanistan should never again be a hotbed for international terrorist organizations. Cooperation in the international community is indispensable in this regard.
アフガンを再び国際テロ組織の温床に逆戻りさせてはならない。国際社会の連携が欠かせない。
The Taliban is deeply rooted in local tribal communities. Even if the country is brought under control militarily, it will not bring about real peace. The United States must continue exploring the possibility of holding dialogues with moderate elements of the Taliban, thereby laying the foundation for realizing national reconciliation in Afghanistan.
タリバンは、地元部族社会に深く根を張っている。軍事的に制圧できたとしても、真の平和は訪れまい。米国は引き続き、タリバン穏健派との対話を探る努力を続け、アフガンの国民融和実現へ、環境整備を図らねばならない。
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Manifestation of political will
NATO has decided to provide strong long-term assistance even beyond 2014. This decision is significant as the manifestation of its political will to help stabilize the Afghan situation.
ＮＡＴＯは、１５年以降も「強力かつ長期的な支援」を提供することを決めた。アフガンの安定を後押しする政治的意思を表明したものとして意義は大きい。
In his talks with NATO officials after the summit meeting, Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba expressed the Japanese government's policy of continuing assistance for the Afghan security forces. He sought NATO's cooperation in achieving a successful result in the International Conference on Economic Assistance to Afghanistan to be held in Tokyo in July.
首脳会議後のＮＡＴＯとの会合で、玄葉外相は、日本としてもアフガン治安部隊への支援を継続する方針を表明した。７月に東京で開くアフガン支援国際会議の成功に向け、協力も求めた。
The Democratic Party of Japan-led government has been implementing a pledge it made after its inauguration in 2009 to provide about 5 billion dollars (about 400 billion yen) in assistance to Afghanistan over five years from that year. It is necessary to examine whether the assistance has been provided effectively.
日本は、民主党政権になって、０９年から５年間で約５０億ドル（約４０００億円）の支援を約束し、実施中だ。実効ある支援になっているのか、検証が必要である。
The government should call on the Afghan government, which is suspected to be riddled with corruption, to become more transparent in revealing how it utilizes the aid it receives.
汚職体質が問題視されるアフガン政府には、使途の透明性向上を求めていくべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 23, 2012)
（2012年5月23日01時27分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 23, 2012)
Think carefully before liberalizing power business
電力全面自由化 効果と副作用を冷静に考えよ（5月22日付・読売社説）
The intended effects and the possible side effects that would be brought about through full liberalization of the electricity retail business must be carefully considered.
電力小売りの全面自由化がもたらす効果と副作用を、慎重に見極める必要がある。
An expert panel of the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has reached a broad agreement to liberalize the electricity retail business, including supplies to households.
経済産業省の専門家委員会が、家庭向けを含め電力小売りを全面的に自由化する方向で大筋一致した。
The liberalization plan is aimed at encouraging the participation of new companies in the business to increase competition and lower utility rates. The plan also calls for abolishing the current system under which utility charges are decided by adding certain levels of profits to the personnel and fuel costs of power companies.
電力事業への新規参入を促して競争原理を働かせ、電気料金を下げるのが狙いだろう。電力会社の人件費や燃料費に一定の利益を上乗せして電気料金を決める「総括原価方式」も撤廃する。
The government plans to submit a bill to the ordinary Diet session next year to revise the Electricity Business Law to fully liberalize the utility retail business as early as fiscal 2015.
政府は、来年の通常国会に電気事業法改正案を提出し、２０１５年度にも実現したい考えだ。
Behind this move is the government's and the public's distrust in power companies that have neglected necessary corporate efforts, while remaining dependent on the current system that allows them to monopolize their respective service areas.
背景には、「地域独占」に甘えて企業努力を怠ってきた電力会社への不信がある。
In connection with its plan to raise utility charges, an executive of Tokyo Electric Power Co. said, "It's our [vested] right to raise the rates." This insensitive statement drew harsh criticism.
東京電力の値上げ問題では、「値上げは権利だ」とする経営陣の無神経な発言が強い批判も招いた。
All power companies must realize that such a public outcry is the driving force behind the effort to liberalize utility rates.
厳しい世論が自由化への動きを後押ししていることを、電力各社は自覚すべきだ。
But what effect total liberalization will have remains to be seen. In the domestic electricity market, liberalization of retail sales to large-lot users began in 2000. Liberalization has been expanded to users with a contracted electricity volume of 50 kilowatts or more, including small and midsize factories.
ただし、全面自由化の効果は不透明だ。国内電力市場では２０００年から、大口契約の小売り自由化が始まった。自由化対象は中小工場など契約電力５０キロ・ワット以上の利用者まで広がった。
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Few new participants
Under this system, users are allowed in principle to freely select their power suppliers and negotiate with power companies on rates. But the amount of electricity generated by new participants in the market is between 3 percent and 4 percent of the total. Existing power companies dominate the business in terms of capital and equipment.
発電事業者を自由に選べて、料金も交渉できる建前だが、実際には新規参入組の発電量は全体の３％台に過ぎない。既存の電力会社が資本や設備で圧倒的な存在である状況に変わりはない。
If the power retail business is fully liberalized while leaving a situation in which there is no real competition, we fear the monopoly the power companies enjoy will allow them to raise power charges at will.
実質的な競争のないまま電力小売りが全面自由化されれば、強大な電力会社が「規制なき独占」で野放しとなり、かえって値上げをしやすくなりはしないか。
It is not easy to realize a sound electricity market in which a variety of companies compete freely. To help encourage new participation in the market, a plan is emerging to reexamine the current system.
多様な事業者が競う健全な電力市場を実現するのは、容易なことではない。
The plan calls for establishing a nationwide independent organization to manage power transmission between power companies rather than have utilities undertake both generation and transmission of power.
新規参入を促すため、電力会社による発電・送電の一貫体制を改め、送電部門だけを担う独立機関を作る構想もある。
However, some people warn that if transmission is separated from power generation it will become difficult to supply electricity flexibly in response to changes in demand.
だが、発送電分離は、電力需要に応じたきめ細かな供給を難しくするマイナス面も指摘される。
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Stable supplies vital
Major blackouts have occurred in Europe, the United States and South Korea partly due to the separation of power generation and transmission. The government must investigate these overseas cases thoroughly before deciding to separate generation from transmission.
実際に欧米や韓国では、発送電分離が一因とされる大停電が起きた。海外事例を十分検証し、導入の是非を判断すべきだ。
In the aftermath of the disaster at TEPCO's Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, no nuclear reactors have been restarted, causing a power supply shortage. If the electricity retail business is liberalized at a time when there is a supply shortage, power rates are almost certain to soar. A stable power supply must be in place before liberalization is implemented.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故後、全国の原発は再稼働できず、電力不足に陥っている。供給不足の中で自由化すれば、電気料金は上がる可能性が高い。自由化よりも、電力安定供給の回復を優先させなければならない。
Another concern is whether liberalization will lead to supply cuts and rate spikes on remote islands and in depopulated areas, where power transmission costs are high. Calm discussions are needed before resorting to spur-of-the-moment liberalization.
送電コストの高い離島や過疎地への電力供給打ち切りや料金高騰も懸念される。一時のムードで全面自由化に走らず、冷静に議論することが求められよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 22, 2012)
（2012年5月22日01時20分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 22, 2012)
World's tallest tower will invigorate Japan
東京スカイツリー 世界一の塔が日本を元気に（5月21日付・読売社説）
At long last, Tokyo Skytree will officially open on Tuesday.
いよいよ、あす２２日、「東京スカイツリー」がオープンする。
Its height is 634 meters, nearly double that of Tokyo Tower. It is the world's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower. Views from the two observation decks, at 350 meters and 450 meters above the ground, must surely take every visitor's breath away. We would like to celebrate the opening of a structure that Japan can boast about to the world.
高さ６３４メートル。東京タワーの２倍に近く、自立式電波塔では世界一となる。地上３５０メートルと４５０メートルの展望台から望む光景には、誰もが息をのむことだろう。世界に誇るべき建築物の開業を祝いたい。
While construction was still going on in March last year, the Great East Japan Earthquake rocked Tokyo Skytree, which had nearly attained its ultimate height. However, no workers were injured and there was no damage to the tower itself. Construction steadily continued, and the tree's height reached 634 meters a week later.
ツリー工事中の昨年３月、最高点に達する直前に、東日本大震災の激しい揺れに見舞われた。だが、作業員にもツリーにも被害はなく、建設は着々と続けられ、１週間後に６３４メートルに到達した。
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Symbol of overcoming ordeals
The incident demonstrated the reliability of Japan's earthquake-resistant construction technology. It also reinforced the image in many minds of Japan and the Japanese not yielding to difficulties.
耐震建築技術の確かさを証明した出来事であると同時に、日本と日本人の、困難に屈しない姿を、そこに重ね見た人も多かったのではないか。
Just as many people remember Tokyo Tower as a symbol of the rapid economic growth period from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, so may Tokyo Skytree become a new symbol of the present period, when Japan and the Japanese are overcoming ordeals of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
高度成長期の象徴として記憶された東京タワーのように、スカイツリーは、東日本大震災の試練を乗り越えていく、新たな時代の象徴となろう。
Tokyo Skytree embodies the best of Japan's construction technologies from the past to the present.
過去から現在に至る、日本の建築技術の結晶でもある。
Materials made with cutting-edge technologies and fine techniques of craftsmanship, such as steel pipes that distort very little even if they are piled up sky-high, were chosen from all over the country in a strict selection process.
天高く組み上げてもほとんどゆがみのない鋼管など、最新鋭の技術と職人技によって作られた建材が、全国から厳選された。
As the tower was constructed on a relatively small piece of land, its cross-sectional shape changes from an equilateral triangle at the base to a circle higher up. Here, shapes called "sori" and "mukuri," seen in temple and shrine construction and the design of Japanese swords, were utilized.
限られた広さの敷地に建設するため、塔の横断面が足元の正三角形から、上に行くにつれて円形に変わる。そこに「反り」「むくり」といった、寺社建築や日本刀などの造形が生かされた。
The use of a "shimbashira" cylindrical central column to dampen earthquake vibrations is taken from the technique used in Japanese five-story pagodas.
中心に「心柱」を通すという、地震の揺れを減じるための構造も五重塔の技法に学んでいる。
It has been reported that those who were involved in the construction of the Skytree engaged in the work with a zeal to surpass their engineering forebears who constructed Tokyo Tower. Their own efforts are now destined to become a similar target for engineers in the future.
建設に携わった人たちは、東京タワーを作った先輩技術者を乗り越える意気込みで取り組んだという。その姿が今度は、未来の技術者の目標となるだろう。
Tokyo Skytree is scheduled to take over the role of transmitting TV and radio waves from Tokyo Tower as early as January next year.
テレビ電波などを発信する役目は、来年初めにも東京タワーから引き継ぐ予定だ。
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Big economic effect
Annual visitors to Tokyo Skytree and its related facilities are expected to number 32 million. The ward office of Sumida Ward, Tokyo, where the tree is located, estimates the economic ripple effect of the facilities will be 88 billion yen in the ward alone.
ツリーと関連施設で年間３２００万人の集客を見込む。地元・墨田区は経済波及効果を区内だけで８８０億円と試算している。
Around the Skytree, new tourism spots have arisen one after another, including the Tokyo Gate Bridge. We think many foreign sightseers will be attracted by the synergy of the Skytree and the other facilities.
周辺には東京ゲートブリッジなど、新たな観光スポットが相次いで誕生している。相乗効果によって、外国からの観光客を大勢呼び込めるのではないか。
However, although so many people are expected to visit Tokyo Skytree and its related facilities, infrastructure in the surrounding environment, such as sidewalks and train stations, has not been made fully ready for the opening.
ただ、これほどの人が集まる新施設に対して、歩道や駅など周辺整備が十分に追いついているとは言えない。
The Tokyo metropolitan government, the Sumida Ward Office and Tokyo Skytree officials should make every effort to prevent accidents and turmoil from occurring.
東京都と墨田区、施設関係者は、事故や混乱が起きぬよう万全を尽くしてもらいたい。
People's faces naturally turn upward when they approach the Skytree. We hope it will become a new strong base to invigorate the entire nation.
東京スカイツリーに近づく人たちの顔は、おのずと上を向く。日本全体を元気づける、新たな拠点になることを期待したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 21, 2012)
（2012年5月21日01時52分 読売新聞）