行革公開検証 もんじゅが焦点だ

--The Asahi Shimbun, Nov. 10
EDITORIAL: Scrap Monju reactor project and use money to develop renewable energies
（社説）行革公開検証　もんじゅが焦点だ

The annual public review of policy programs by the government to identify wasteful spending ends on Nov. 13. For three days, the government’s administrative reform promotion council has been scouring the budgets of ministries and agencies for savings.
　各省庁の政策に無駄遣いがないか点検する公開検証が、今年も１１日から３日間、実施される。政府の行政改革推進会議が行う。

The focus of the budget review this year is the Monju prototype fast-breeder reactor.
　今回の焦点は、高速増殖炉「もんじゅ」の扱いだ。

The Nuclear Regulation Authority recently recommended that the operator of the troubled-plagued experimental reactor, the government-affiliated Japan Atomic Energy Agency, should be replaced.
もんじゅを巡っては、運営主体の日本原子力研究開発機構が原子力規制委員会から運営を退くよう言い渡されたばかりだ。

Certain expenditures related to the Monju project, mainly state subsidies, were examined in the public review. But the council should take this opportunity to scrutinize all aspects of the controversial project instead of evaluating only the subsidies. We are keen to see the panel demonstrate that continuing the project doesn’t make sense and the reactor should be decommissioned from the viewpoint of administrative reforms.
公開検証では、もんじゅ関連予算の一部である交付金などが対象となっている。しかし、せっかくの機会である。交付金にとどまらずに全体像に切り込んで、行革の面から政策の不合理と廃炉の妥当性を示してほしい。

It is already clear that the Monju project is a financial folly.
　もんじゅは、財政面から見ても行き詰まりが明らかになっている。

The construction cost, which was originally estimated at 35 billion yen ($285 million) when the project was in an early planning stage in the 1970s, has ballooned to 1 trillion yen. Although the reactor has been offline for more than 20 years due to a series of accidents and scandals, 20 billion yen is still spent annually, or 50 million yen a day, for maintenance.
７０年代の計画初期段階で３５０億円と見積もられていた建設費は、すでに１兆円規模に達した。事故や不祥事で２０年以上運転できずにいる今も年間約２００億円、１日あたり約５千万円が維持費に消えている。

The maintenance costs of the reactor under the initial budget for the current fiscal year are almost equivalent to the amount (23.8 billion yen) being shelled out to promote renewable energy projects for local power production and consumption.
　もんじゅの維持費は、今年度当初予算で見れば、地産地消型の再生可能エネルギー活用への取り組み支援（２３８億円）に匹敵し、

The outlays for the Monju project are far larger than the spending on a demonstration project to build a transmission network for wind power generation (10.5 billion yen) or the appropriation to support research for the development of geothermal power sources (8 billion yen).
風力発電用の送電網整備に向けた実証事業（１０５億円）や地熱発電の開発調査支援（８０億円）を大きく上回る。

Following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan widened the scope of its energy policy to make greater efforts to develop and promote alternative power sources, including renewable energy.
　福島での原発事故を経て日本のエネルギー政策は、再エネなど新しい電源の普及・育成にも手を広げはじめた。

Instead of spending a huge amount of taxpayer money to keep Monju alive, the government should use the cash to build a new, cleaner energy future for this nation.
もんじゅの継続に巨費を投じるより、新しいエネルギー社会の構築に費やしてはどうか。

Japan is facing a serious fiscal crunch. The government is drowning in a sea of debt as its welfare spending is surging amid the rapid aging of the nation’s population.
　高齢化と巨額の財政赤字を抱えた日本の財政事情は厳しく、

The government has no choice but to raise taxes while cutting its expenditures on social security, education and other programs.
社会保障費や教育費などを切り詰めつつ増税することが避けられない。

It cannot afford the luxury of pouring a hefty sum of money into a questionable nuclear reactor with no prospects for practical operation.
運転の見通しが立たない事業に資金を投入し続ける余裕はないはずだ。

The Monju project has survived for so long despite its troubled history because nobody loses money when the reactor is out of operation.
　もんじゅがこれまで存続してきたのは、運転できなくて困る直接の当事者がいないからだ。

When a reactor operated by an electric utility is shut down because of an accident or a scandal, the company will immediately face a rise in costs that hurts its financial standing.
　電力会社が保有する原発は、事故や不祥事で発電できなければ、たちまちコストがかさみ経営を圧迫する。

In contrast, Monju is treated as a research reactor, and the national program gets funded almost automatically.
だが、研究炉扱いのもんじゅは、国家事業としてほぼ自動的に予算がつく。

Both the industry ministry and the science and technology ministry, which are in charge of the nuclear power policy, have a clear interest in supporting the continuation of the Monju project.
　原子力政策を担当する経済産業省や文部科学省にとっては、続ける姿勢をとり続けたほうがメリットがある。

If this project is terminated, these ministries will be forced to make a sweeping review of the entire nuclear fuel recycling program and tackle the formidable challenge of disposing of plutonium extracted from spent nuclear fuel.
やめるとなれば、核燃サイクル政策全体の見直しを迫られ、使用済み燃料から取り出したプルトニウムの処理にも直面する。

This year’s public budget review is led by Taro Kono, the newly appointed minister in charge of administrative reform who has been a champion of the cause.
　今回の公開検証は、行革に熱心な河野太郎氏が担当相だ。

We urge Kono to make the decision to scrap the Monju project as a step to press ahead with meaningful administrative reforms.
もんじゅ廃炉という行革の実を挙げてほしい。

There is definitely no reason for approving annual spending of 20 billion yen as the cost of postponing this decision.
２００億円を先送りのコストとして認める理由はないはずである。

ＭＲＪ初飛行 航空機産業の裾野を広げたい

The Yomiuri Shimbun
MRJ’s maiden flight must lead to broader horizons for aircraft industry
ＭＲＪ初飛行　航空機産業の裾野を広げたい

Japan’s first domestic-made passenger jet has successfully completed its maiden flight.
　日本初となる「日の丸ジェット旅客機」が、初飛行に成功した。

The Mitsubishi Regional Jet has been developed by Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp. It is the first commercial aircraft to be made in Japan since production of the YS-11 turboprop airliner started about half a century ago.
　三菱航空機が開発した三菱リージョナルジェット（ＭＲＪ）だ。プロペラ機のＹＳ―１１以来、半世紀ぶりとなる国産旅客機である。

We hope this will be a golden opportunity to invigorate the domestic aircraft industry.
　国内の航空機産業を活性化させる契機としたい。

The MRJ is a small plane built for short-distance flights linking cities. Its main selling points are a lightweight body and a new-type engine that has superb fuel efficiency. These features have made the MRJ about 20 percent more fuel-efficient than similar models produced by its competitors. The first delivery of the MRJ is set for 2017.
　ＭＲＪは、都市間を結ぶ近距離路線用の小型機だ。燃料効率に優れた新型エンジンと軽量化した機体が売り物で、ライバル機より２割程度、燃費が良い。２０１７年に初号機の納入が予定される。

The global market for small passenger planes is expected to grow rapidly. In the next 20 years, demand is expected to top 5,000 jets, especially in emerging economies such as nations in Southeast Asia that are experiencing sizzling economic growth. The MRJ aims to capture orders for half of this market.
　小型機の分野は、世界的に有望な市場だ。経済成長が著しい東南アジアなどの新興国を中心に、今後２０年間で５０００機を超える需要が見込まれる。ＭＲＪは、その半数の受注を目指している。

A string of design changes and other factors resulted in the MRJ’s first flight taking to the skies about four years later than initially scheduled. During this time, the MRJ’s superiority over its rivals has undeniably been eroded.
　ＭＲＪの初飛行は、相次ぐ設計変更などで、当初の予定から４年も遅れた。その間にＭＲＪの優位性が低下したことは否めない。

At present, Bombardier Inc. of Canada and Embraer SA of Brazil dominate the market for regional jets. The key to the MRJ’s success will be how it can break the stranglehold these companies have on the market.
　現在、カナダ・ボンバルディア、ブラジル・エンブラエル両社が高い占有率を保持している。これをどう切り崩すかがカギとなる。

Give companies support

Orders have already been received for more than 400 MRJ planes. Overseas sales promotions by top-ranking government officials will be essential to rake in more orders.
　ＭＲＪには既に、４００機超の受注がある。上積みするには、政府による海外へのトップセールスが欠かせまい。

If more orders are locked in, the MRJ can be expected to nurture a core industry that will be a driving force for Japanese economic growth.
　受注が増えれば、航空機が、日本の経済成長を牽引けんいんする基幹産業に育つことも期待できよう。

Major companies in Japan’s aircraft industry, such as Toray Industries and IHI Corp., have participated in developing passenger jets for Boeing Co. of the United States. They have refined their technologies while supplying carbon fiber parts for main wings and other components. It is vital for the expertise fostered by these large companies to be spread to small and midsize businesses.
　日本の航空機産業では、東レやＩＨＩなども米ボーイング社の旅客機開発に参画し、主翼用の炭素繊維部品などを供給しながら技術を磨いてきた。大企業が培ったノウハウを中小企業に波及させていくことが重要である。

In specific terms, we hope the proportion of domestically made parts in the MRJ — which is currently stuck at about 30 percent — will be increased as much as possible. Each MRJ is made from about 1 million parts, which is 30 times the number of parts contained in a car. There is wide scope for expansion in this industry.
　具体的には、現在は３割にとどまるＭＲＪの国産部品の比率を、可能な限り引き上げることを目指したい。ＭＲＪの部品点数は、自動車の３０倍の１００万点に及ぶ。産業の裾野は広い。

It is necessary to encourage small and midsize companies possessing excellent technologies to enter this market, and to bring together the might of Japanese manufacturing.
　高い技術を有する中小企業の参入を促し、日本のもの作りの力を結集させる必要がある。

Aerospace Iida established in the Iida district of Nagano Prefecture is a cluster of small and midsize precision-machinery and processing companies working on the development of parts for cockpits and wings. Some parts produced by them have been used in the MRJ.
　長野県飯田地区に設立された「エアロスペース飯田」には、中小の精密機械加工業が集結し、コックピットや翼などの関連部品の生産に取り組んでいる。ＭＲＪに採用されている部品もある。

“Whether we can provide high-quality parts at low cost will be key,” according to a company in Aichi Prefecture that makes the frame of the MRJ tail.
　ＭＲＪの尾翼骨格を製造する愛知県内の企業は「低コストで品質の高い部品を供給できるかが勝負」と意気込んでいる。

The government and large companies that are prime contractors will need to work together and support small and midsize firms with proven records in producing car parts and other components, such as by offering technical guidance tailored to the production of aircraft.
　自動車部品の製造などで実績のある中小企業に、航空機向けの技術指導をするなど、政府や元請けの大企業が連携して支援することが求められる。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 13, 2015)

ミャンマー選挙 経済発展路線の継承が課題だ

The Yomiuri Shimbun
After election, keep Myanmar’s economic development on track
ミャンマー選挙　経済発展路線の継承が課題だ

It is important that the economic development course put in motion by the administration of Myanmar President Thein Sein be inherited, and that nation-building efforts there are steadily kept on track.
　テイン・セイン政権が道筋をつけた経済発展路線を継承し、ミャンマーの国造りを着実に軌道に乗せることが重要だ。

A general election has been held in Myanmar for the first time since the transition from military rule to democratic government in 2011.
　ミャンマーで、２０１１年の民政移管後、初めてとなる総選挙が行われた。

The National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Aung San Suu Kyi, who has spearheaded the prodemocracy movement in Myanmar, is likely to win more than two-thirds of the seats up for election and not reserved for military representatives. The NLD, which is the largest opposition party, is forecast to secure a majority in the parliament.
　民主化運動を主導してきたアウン・サン・スー・チー氏率いる最大野党の国民民主連盟（ＮＬＤ）が、軍人枠を除く改選枠の３分の２超の議席を獲得し、国会の過半数を確保する見通しだ。

The ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which was formed by the old military junta, has admitted defeat. The parliament will choose the president in February 2016, and the possibility of a change in administration has increased.
　軍政の流れをくむ与党・連邦団結発展党（ＵＳＤＰ）も敗北を認めた。来年２月に国会で大統領が選出されるが、政権交代の可能性が大きくなったと言える。

Thein Sein’s administration snapped Myanmar’s excessive dependence on China and achieved high economic growth by improving the investment environment, which has pulled in more capital from overseas.
　テイン・セイン政権は中国への過度の依存から脱却し、投資環境の改善で外資を呼び込み、高い成長率を実現してきた。

Despite these achievements, the USDP’s heavy defeat appears to be the result of demands for greater reform from the people who still distrust the military.
それでも大敗したのは、軍に不信を抱く国民が変革を求めたためだろう。

In 1990, the military government did not accept the result of a general election in which the NLD recorded a comprehensive victory, and refused to hand over power. The NLD boycotted the 2010 general election in opposition to rules put in place by the military government.
　ＮＬＤが圧勝した１９９０年の総選挙では、軍政が結果を受け入れず、政権移譲を拒んだ。１０年の総選挙は、軍政に反発するＮＬＤが参加をボイコットしている。

The latest election was conducted without any major disturbances, although there were flaws in the process including some people being unable to register on voter lists. Overall, the election can be applauded as a sign of progress in Myanmar’s democratization.
　今回は、有権者名簿に登録漏れなどの不備があったが、大きな混乱もなく実施された。民主化の進展を示すものと評価できる。

Suu Kyi’s odd comment

Myanmar’s Constitution contains a clause that prohibits anyone whose spouse or children are foreign citizens from becoming president. Consequently, Suu Kyi, whose sons are British, is disqualified from this position.
　憲法は外国籍の親族がいる人物の大統領就任を禁じる条項を設けており、英国籍の子息をもつスー・チー氏には、その資格がない。

It is difficult to understand that, before the election, Suu Kyi said she would take a position “above the president” if the NLD triumphed. Does Suu Kyi intend to set up a puppet government even while she herself has been calling for greater democratization?
　理解し難いのは、選挙前、スー・チー氏が「我々が勝利すれば、私は大統領よりも上に立つ」と語ったことである。自ら民主化を掲げながら、傀儡かいらい政権を作るつもりなのだろうか。

During the election campaign, there was no mention of her design for the administration, and no concrete policies have been revealed. Her political skills are questioned.
　選挙遊説では、政権構想を語らず、具体的な政策も見えない。政治手腕は疑問視されている。

A pile of difficult issues need to be addressed. Achieving peace with armed groups among Myanmar’s ethnic minorities will not be easy. National reconciliation, including reducing religious conflict, is an urgent task.
　課題は山積している。少数民族の武装勢力との和平も容易でない。宗教対立の緩和など国民和解は急務となっている。

The NLD lacks human resources capable of running a government. Even if a change in power does occur, the NLD will sooner or later become unable to keep going without the cooperation of the military and the USDP.
　ＮＬＤは国政を担える人材を欠く。政権交代を実現しても、軍やＵＳＤＰの協力なしには、早晩、立ち行かなくなるだろう。

Myanmar has high strategic value due to its vital location linking the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. Japan, the United States and other nations with interests in this region must strengthen ties with Myanmar to keep a check on China, whose unilateral maritime advances are heightening tensions in this area.
　インド洋と南シナ海を結ぶ要衝にあるミャンマーの戦略的価値は高い。一方的な海洋進出で緊張を高める中国を牽制けんせいするためにも、日米や周辺国は、ミャンマーとの関係を強化せねばならない。

Japan welcomed the course taken by the administration of Thein Sein and actively supported it through a two-pronged policy of official development assistance and private investment. Political stability in Myanmar is essential for Japanese companies that have entered markets there. The public and private sectors should work closely together and continue to push for reform in Myanmar.
　日本はテイン・セイン政権の路線を歓迎し、政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）と民間投資の両面で積極的に支援している。政治の安定は日本の進出企業にも欠かせない。官民が連携し、ミャンマーの改革を引き続き後押しすべきだ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 12, 2015)

衆院閉会中審査 競争力を強めるＴＰＰ対策に

The Yomiuri Shimbun
TPP-related measures must build strength of farming, manufacturing
衆院閉会中審査　競争力を強めるＴＰＰ対策に

The government must thoroughly explain the significance of a broad agreement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact and steadily carry out related measures at home.
　政府は、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）大筋合意の意義を丁寧に説明し、国内対策を着実に進めねばならない。

The House of Representatives’ Budget Committee held a session of the Diet’s adjournment inspection on Tuesday, with the TPP and other issues taken up for deliberation.
　衆院予算委員会が、ＴＰＰなどをテーマに閉会中審査を行った。

Yuichiro Tamaki of the Democratic Party of Japan criticized the TPP accord reached last month, as it runs counter to a Diet resolution adopted in 2013 seeking to maintain tariffs on the “five key categories” of farm products, including rice and wheat.
民主党の玉木雄一郎氏は、１０月のＴＰＰ大筋合意が、コメや麦など「重要５項目」の関税維持を求めた２０１３年の国会決議に反すると批判した。

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pointed out that the tariff-free rate on farm goods to be imported to Japan remains at just 81 percent — markedly lower than in other member countries. “We have reached an accord which is consistent with the aims of the Diet resolution,” he emphasized.
　安倍首相は、日本の農林水産品の関税撤廃率が８１％と、他の参加国より格段に低いことを指摘し、「決議の趣旨に沿う合意を達成できた」と強調した。

In multinational trade talks, negotiating countries, in principle, need to make concessions to each other. Besides, the tariff-free rate on these five key items stands even lower, at 30 percent, and the reductions mainly apply to items for which Japan has only a modest record of imports and those for which alternatives are not available at home. It cannot be said that the accord runs against the Diet resolution.
　多国間の通商交渉は、各国が譲り合うのが原則だ。さらに、５項目の関税撤廃率は３０％と一段と低く、輸入実績が少ない品目や国内生産がない品目が中心である。国会決議違反とは言い切れまい。

Tamaki also labeled the automobile-sector negotiations as ones in which Japan “suffered complete defeat by the United States,” as he said it would take 25 years for U.S. tariffs to be eliminated on Japan-made automobiles.
　玉木氏は、米国に輸出する日本製自動車の関税撤廃に２５年を要することから、自動車分野の交渉は「米国に完敗した」と決めつけた。

Abe refuted Tamaki’s remark by saying: “What is important for Japan is to eliminate tariffs on auto parts. And we surely won in this regard.”
首相は、「日本に大切なのは自動車部品の関税撤廃で、それはしっかりと得た」と反論した。

In light of the expanding local production of Japanese automakers in the United States, the government, during the TPP talks, put more weight on eliminating tariffs on auto parts than on automobiles themselves. As the tariffs on 80 percent of auto part items to be exported to the United States would be abolished immediately after the TPP takes effect, it can be said that a certain tangible result has been achieved.
　国内メーカーの米国現地生産の広がりを踏まえ、政府は交渉で、自動車本体より部品の関税廃止を重視した。部品の関税は８割が即時撤廃されるため、一定の成果が上がったと言える。

Takagi must explain more

While expressing his support for Japan’s joining the TPP pact, Yorihisa Matsuno, leader of the Japan Innovation Party, requested that the TPP-related measures the government will draw up within this month not be unduly weighted toward public-works projects.
　維新の党の松野代表は、ＴＰＰ参加に賛成しつつ、政府が月内にも策定するＴＰＰ対策が公共事業に偏らないよう、注文した。

It is important that the TPP-related measures incorporate ways to expand the nation’s economic growth by focusing on the enhancement of international competitiveness of Japan’s farming and manufacturing sectors, rather than on the protection of farmers.
　ＴＰＰ対策は、農家保護でなく、農業や製造業の競争力向上に重点を置き、経済成長の拡大につなげる内容にすることが大切だ。

Meanwhile, Michiyoshi Yunoki of the DPJ questioned reconstruction minister Tsuyoshi Takagi over an allegation that Takagi had given condolence money to voters in his electoral district.
　民主党の柚木道義氏は、高木復興相が自らの選挙区で支出した慶弔費の問題を追及した。

Takagi said, “The condolence money I offered at the funerals where I went myself was wrongly recorded [as having been given by my political organization in my political fund reports].” He then indicated his view that his deeds did not constitute a violation of the Public Offices Election Law.
高木氏は「私が弔問し、香典を出したものを（政治団体の支出と）誤って記載した」と述べ、公職選挙法には抵触しないとの認識を示した。

But Yunoki was not satisfied with Takagi’s explanation and asserted that through his on-the-spot inquiry he had obtained testimony of a party concerned who said, “Takagi didn’t carry condolence money [when visiting the funeral sites].”
　だが、柚木氏は納得せず、独自の現地調査で「高木氏は香典を持参していない」といった関係者の証言を得た、と主張した。

Takagi may need to still assume accountability over the allegations, including one over his having paid for “flowers placed at a deceased person’s bedside.”
　故人の枕元に飾る「枕花」の代金を支出した問題を含め、高木氏は、引き続き説明責任を果たす必要があるのではないか。

The government and the ruling coalition parties plan not to convene an extraordinary session of the Diet this autumn. Since 10 members have joined the Abe Cabinet as new ministers through the latest reshuffle, an extra Diet session should be convened in principle. But as the ordinary Diet session was extended by 95 days this year and diplomatic schedules have been tight since October, it is somewhat inevitable for the extra session to be shelved.
　政府・与党は、秋の臨時国会の召集を見送る方針だ。内閣改造で１０人の新閣僚が誕生しており、本来は召集するのが筋だが、通常国会を９５日間延長したうえ、１０月以降は外交日程が立て込んでいるなど、やむを得ない面はある。

We hope they will create occasions for debates as needed in the days ahead.
　今後も必要に応じて、論戦の機会を設けてもらいたい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 11, 2015)

介護職人材難 意欲と経験が報われる職場に

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Workers at homes for elderly must be rewarded for skill, experience
介護職人材難　意欲と経験が報われる職場に

A principal goal of the government’s policy of creating a society that enables the dynamic engagement of all citizens is to reduce the number of workers who quit jobs to provide nursing care to zero. Speaking at a meeting of the Yomiuri International Economic Society, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reiterated his policy of building additional special nursing homes for the elderly.
　政府は「１億総活躍社会」の主要目標の一つとして「介護離職ゼロ」を掲げる。安倍首相は読売国際経済懇話会（ＹＩＥＳ）で、特別養護老人ホームの増設を改めて表明した。

But the facilities will be of little use if they do not have enough workers. We want the government panel on creation of a dynamic society to work out practical measures to ensure procurement of such personnel.
　ただ、施設を作っても、そこで働く人が不足していては、十分に機能しない。政府の「１億総活躍国民会議」で、実効性ある人材確保策を練り上げてもらいたい。

The effective opening-to-application ratio for nursing care jobs remains far above 2 to 1. This indicates that the industry faces serious difficulty in securing necessary personnel. Indeed, some operators have been forced to curtail services because of a lack of personnel.
　介護職の有効求人倍率は２倍を大きく超える状況が続いている。人材難は深刻である。職員が集まらず、サービス縮小を余儀なくされる事業者も目立つ。

The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry estimates 2.53 million nursing care workers — 800,000 more than exist today — will be required in fiscal 2025, when the first postwar generation of baby boomers will all become 75 years or older. There is likely to be a shortage of 380,000 nursing care workers if the number of such workers continues to increase at the current pace.
　厚生労働省の推計では、団塊の世代が全て７５歳以上になる２０２５年度には、今より８０万人多い２５３万人の介護職員が必要になる。現在の増員ペースでは、３８万人の不足が生じる見込みだ。

The main reason people shun nursing care jobs is the low pay, which now stands at about ¥220,000 a month. This is ¥110,000 less than the average for all industries. A manpower shortage causes a heavy work load, thereby making the job even less popular.
　介護職が敬遠される最大の要因は、賃金の低さだ。平均月給は約２２万円で、全産業平均より１１万円も少ない。人手不足が重労働を招き、不人気に拍車をかける。

In revising the fees for nursing care services in April, the government expanded an added-fee system so that the monthly payment for nursing care workers can be raised by ¥12,000 on average. Administrative checks must be conducted strictly to determine whether pay hikes have been carried out.
　政府は４月の介護報酬改定で、職員の賃金が平均で月１万２０００円アップするように加算制度を拡充した。確実に賃上げが実施されているか、行政は厳格にチェックすべきだ。

Further improvement in conditions for nursing care workers will be indispensable. It is necessary to study measures to secure fiscal resources for that purpose at such forums as the government panel on creation of a dynamic society.
　さらなる処遇改善も不可欠だろう。国民会議などで、財源確保策と併せて検討する必要がある。

Steps to secure personnel

It is also essential to establish a system in which the wages of nursing care workers can be decided according to their experience and skills.
　経験と技能が賃金に結びつく仕組みの確立も重要だ。

Highly specialized skills are required for the treatment of elderly people suffering from dementia. To ensure nursing care workers remain highly motivated, operators should set up a personnel and wage system under which training programs can be carried out systematically and the abilities of workers can be evaluated adequately.
認知症ケアなどでは高い専門性が要求される。職員の意欲が報われるよう、事業者には、計画的な人材育成と能力を適正に評価する人事・賃金システムの整備が求められる。

Support by the central government and municipalities is also indispensable. The Shizuoka prefectural government, for example, presents nursing care operators with pay-scale models based on experience. Kyoto Prefecture has been encouraging efforts by nursing care home operators by setting up a certification system for operators who proactively foster human resources.
　政府や自治体の後押しも欠かせない。静岡県は、キャリアに応じたモデル給与額を事業所に提示している。京都府は、人材育成に積極的な事業所の認証制度を設け、取り組みを促している。

Nursing homes becoming workplaces where workers can see a bright future plan would help prevent the loss of existing workers and make it easier to secure new personnel.
　将来設計が描きやすい職場になれば、離職防止や新たな人材の確保につながろう。

The bill for revision of the Social Welfare Law that was submitted to the previous Diet session called for, among other things, institutionalizing a system that would require nursing care workers to notify administrative authorities if they quit. This is aimed at improving assistance measures by prefectural welfare personnel centers to help them return to work.
　先の国会に提出された社会福祉法改正案には、離職した介護福祉士の届け出制の創設が盛り込まれた。都道府県の福祉人材センターによる復職支援強化が狙いだ。

There are more than 500,000 nonworking certified care workers across the country. We strongly hope that the reform bill will be passed as soon as possible.
　介護職に就いていない介護福祉士は５０万人超に上るだけに、早期成立が望まれる。

The utilization of a diversified human resources, including senior citizens, should be stressed. There are many supplementary jobs at nursing care homes, such as cleaning and catering. The foundation for securing personnel can be broadened if the division of roles of these jobs and jobs requiring high-level skills is clarified and training and other programs are developed in line with such a division.
　高齢者など多様な人材の活用にも目を向けたい。介護職場では、清掃や配膳などの補助的業務も多い。専門性の高い業務と役割分担を明確にし、それに合わせて研修制度などを工夫すれば、人材のすそ野が広がるのではないか。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 10, 2015)

中台首脳初会談 急接近は地域安定に役立つか

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Can sudden Beijing-Taipei detente help promote regional stability?
中台首脳初会談　急接近は地域安定に役立つか

For the first time since the Chinese mainland and Taiwan split in 1949, the top leaders from both sides of the Taiwan Strait have met face-to-face. This is definitely a historic meeting.
　１９４９年の分断後初めて、中国と台湾のトップが直接顔を合わせた。歴史的な会談である。

What influence can the sudden move toward rapprochement between Beijing and Taipei, each of which has refused to recognize the other’s sovereignty, have on the prospects for East Asia’s peace and prosperity? This question must be carefully scrutinized.
　互いに相手の主権を認めていない中台の急接近が、東アジアの平和と繁栄にどんな影響を与えるのか。慎重に見極めねばならない。

China’s President Xi Jinping and Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou had the meeting on Saturday in Singapore, reconfirming what is referred to as the “1992 Consensus” based on the principle of “one China,” with each side having its own interpretation of what that means.
　中国の習近平国家主席と台湾の馬英九総統がシンガポールで会談し、「一つの中国」の原則を中台がそれぞれ独自に解釈するという「９２年合意」を再確認した。

Regarding Beijing-Taipei relations, Xi stressed in the meeting, “I hope the two sides will make joint efforts ... to uphold the 1992 Consensus ... keep the right direction in the development of cross-Strait relations.” Ma was said in response to have praised the current state of the relationship, noting the relations between the sides were “the most peaceful and stable period.”
　中台関係について習氏は、「双方が共に努力し、『９２年合意』を堅持し、正しい方向に発展し続けるよう望む」と強調した。馬氏も、「最も平和で安定した段階にある」と現状を高く評価した。

China has positioned the Beijing-Taipei summit as a strategic step toward future unification of the two sides. The summit can also be deemed to have stemmed from a well-calculated step on Xi’s part that was designed to demonstrate at home and abroad his intent to play a leadership role in addressing the Taiwan problem.
　中国は、首脳会談を将来の中台統一の布石と位置付ける。台湾問題を主導する姿を国内外に誇示する習氏の計算もうかがえる。

It is considered likely that the upcoming presidential election in Taiwan, scheduled for January next year, will lead to a change of government for the first time in eight years. Opinion polls show the candidate backed by the largest opposition party, the Democratic Progressive Party — which leans toward independence for Taiwan — has a wide lead over the candidate supported by the ruling Nationalist Party (Kuomintang), which has been pushing a conciliatory stance toward China.
　来年１月の台湾の総統選では、８年ぶりの政権交代の可能性が強まっている。世論調査では、「独立」志向の最大野党・民進党の候補が、対中融和を進める与党・国民党候補を大きくリードする。

Summit could backfire

Xi intends to indirectly support Kuomintang. Ma, for his part, is keen to recover lost political ground at home by urging voters to support his party’s pursuit of a stable relationship between Taiwan and China. The Xi-Ma summit was realized because the political motives of both sides were well aligned.
　習氏は、国民党を側面支援したい。馬氏は、安定した対中関係を有権者に訴え、巻き返しを図りたい。首脳会談の実現は、両者の思惑が一致した結果である。

Ma, who is to leave his post in May next year, was probably also motivated to realize a meeting with China’s leader on an equal footing as his political legacy. However, it cannot be denied that the decline in popular support for the Kuomintang is due to the party’s policy of hastily getting closer to China economically, a policy that Ma has openly promoted since taking office in 2008, resulting in growing dependence on Beijing.
　来年５月に退任する馬氏には、中国首脳との対等な会談を政治的な「遺産」にする意図もあろう。だが、国民党の支持低迷は、２００８年の馬氏就任以来、露骨になった経済面の性急な対中接近・依存が招いたことは否めない。

Anxieties have been spreading among residents of Taiwan that the region will be absorbed by China. There is also deep-rooted resentment that Taiwan’s closer ties with Beijing have benefited only the wealthy people.
　台湾住民には、中国に呑のみ込まれるとの不安が広がる。中台緊密化の恩恵が富裕層にしか及んでいない、との不満も根強い。

An overwhelming majority of Taiwan’s residents want to maintain the status quo, neither unifying with China nor becoming independent. The summit this time will not necessarily benefit the Kuomintang in the presidential electoral campaign. On the contrary, the Xi-Ma meeting may backfire.
　住民の圧倒的多数は、「中台統一」でも「独立」でもない、「現状維持」を望んでいる。首脳会談が国民党に有利に働くとは限らない。逆効果となる恐れもある。

The agreement by the two leaders not to adopt a joint declaration presumably resulted from the two taking such circumstances into account.
　共同声明の見送りは、そうした事情に配慮したためだろう。

Amid the intensified U.S.-China confrontation over the South China Sea, it could be inferred that Xi intended to use the summit to create distance between Taiwan on one side and Japan and the United States on the other.
　南シナ海を巡る米国との対立が激しくなる中、習氏には、首脳会談を通じて、台湾と日米を離間する狙いが透けて見える。

In the meeting, Xi welcomed the participation by Taiwan in the China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Directly supporting Taiwan’s participation in the bank in the summit after excluding Taipei as a founding member can be seen as part of China’s strategy to “embrace Taiwan.”
　習氏は今回、中国主導のアジアインフラ投資銀行（ＡＩＩＢ）への台湾の加盟を歓迎すると表明した。創設メンバーから除外した台湾への配慮を直接示したのも「取り込み策」の一環と言える。

China, which has an overwhelming advantage over Taiwan in terms of both air and naval capabilities, has arrayed a large number of ballistic missiles on its coast. Stability of the Taiwan Strait is a matter of high importance that could affect Japan’s security.
　中国は、沿岸部に大量の台湾向け弾道ミサイルを配備し、航空・海上戦力でも台湾を圧倒する。台湾海峡の安定は、日本の安全保障にもかかわる重要課題だ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 8, 2015)

国連核決議 核保有国との溝埋めよ

--The Asahi Shimbun, Nov. 6
（社説）国連核決議　核保有国との溝埋めよ
EDITORIAL: Japan needs more robust diplomatic strategy to unite nuclear and non-nuclear powers

The recent vote on a Japan-proposed United Nations resolution on nuclear weapons highlighted anew the deep rift between nuclear powers and non-nuclear nations.
　核兵器を持つ国と持たぬ国の対立がまたもあらわになった。

The resolution calling for action to eliminate nuclear arms, submitted to the U.N. General Assembly’s First Committee, which deals with disarmament and security issues, was adopted with the support of 156 countries. But China and Russia voted against the resolution, while the United States, Britain and France abstained.
　国連総会の第１委員会で、核兵器廃絶への行動を呼びかける日本提案の決議案が１５６カ国の賛成で採択された。中ロは反対し、米英仏が棄権した。

In the latest resolution, Japan encouraged leaders of the world to visit “the cities devastated by the use of nuclear weapons” as a way to emphasize the inhumane nature of nuclear weapons. This seems to be one of the reasons why the resolution failed to win the backing of the nuclear powers.
　今回の決議で日本は指導者らの被爆地訪問を促し、核の非人道性に、より焦点をあてた。これが核保有国の賛同を得られなかった一因のようだ。

The argument that nuclear arms should be banned by an international treaty because nuclear attacks have inhumane consequences has been rapidly gaining support among nations without these weapons.
　核兵器が非人道的な被害を及ぼす以上、条約で禁じるべきだという主張は、近年、非核保有国の間で急速に支持を広げている。

The Japan-drafted resolution doesn’t mention the need of a nuclear ban treaty. But the vote shows that nuclear powers are wary of the claim that nuclear weapons are inhumane by nature. This was clear from the unexpected moves by the United States and two other Western nuclear powers to abstain from the vote.
日本の決議案は禁止条約の必要性にまでは触れていない。だが非人道性に対する核保有国の警戒感が強く、米国まで棄権する予想外の展開となった。

Following the failure of the May meeting of the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons to agree on a final document, the refusal by the nuclear powers to support the resolution came as another sign of a disturbing stagnation in the nuclear disarmament movement.
　最終文書をまとめられなかった５月の核不拡散条約（ＮＰＴ）再検討会議に続き、核軍縮はますます停滞の兆しだ。

The resolution was drafted by Japan in line with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s desire to establish “a guide for future nuclear disarmament efforts suitable for the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings (of Hiroshima and Nagasaki).”
　日本の決議案は、安倍首相が「被爆７０年にふさわしく、今後の核軍縮の指針に」としてのぞんだものだ。

One question that should be asked is whether Japan made sufficient efforts to win the support of nuclear powers for the document prior to the vote. 事前に核保有国の理解を得る努力は十分だったか。

This setback has underscored the tough challenges facing Japan’s diplomatic strategy for promoting the reduction of nuclear arms, a cause that is especially important for the nation as it has suffered devastating nuclear attacks.
被爆国として重要な外交政策である核軍縮を進める上で、課題を突き付けられた形だ。

Nations possessing nuclear arsenals have been reiterating that a gradual reduction in nuclear arms is the only path toward a nuclear-free future.
　核保有国は「段階的な核軍縮だけが廃絶への唯一の道」と繰り返す。

Their argument is based on the view that rapid cuts in nuclear arms, which constitute the core of their security strategies, would only endanger stability in the world.
核は安全保障の根幹であり、急激な削減は世界の安定を乱す、との考え方だ。

A quarter-century since the end of the Cold War, however, there is no prospect of substantial progress toward the elimination of nuclear arms with more than 10,000 nuclear warheads still remaining in the world. The international community has been growing increasingly frustrated with this situation.
　だが冷戦終結から四半世紀を経ても１万数千発の核兵器が存在し、核ゼロへの展望が開けないことに、国際社会はいらだちを募らせている。

It is glaringly obvious that nuclear arms are inhumane by nature and should never be used again.
　核兵器が非人道的であり、二度と使ってはならないことは明らかだ。

There is no hope for the abolition of nuclear arms unless the nuclear powers abandon their dependence on the threat of the weapons for their security.
その脅しで安全を保つ考えを核保有国が改めていかない限り、核廃絶は望めない。

The Japanese government has pledged to play a role in bridging the gap between nuclear powers and non-nuclear countries.
　日本政府はこれまで「核保有国と非核保有国の橋渡し役を目指す」といってきた。

But the reality is that Japan has been reluctant to change its policy of depending heavily on the protection of the U.S. “nuclear umbrella.”
　だが、日本は米国の「核の傘」に閉じこもる姿勢をとってきたのが現実ではなかったか。

Japan had previously abstained from the vote on a resolution calling for a ban on nuclear arms proposed by Austria and other countries, bitterly disappointing victims of the atomic bombings.
オーストリアなどが提案した核兵器の禁止を求める決議案に、日本は棄権に回り、被爆者を失望させた。

Even if it is difficult for Japan to immediately wean itself from the protection afforded by the U.S. nuclear umbrella, there are ways it can contribute to the cause. Japan can, for example, get more actively involved in the international efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula and the Middle East to reduce the role of nuclear arms in security. Japan should strive to lead the campaign for a reduction in nuclear arms through such efforts.
　核の傘から直ちに脱却するのが難しくとも、朝鮮半島や中東などの非核化にもっと積極的に関与して核の役割を下げ、核軍縮への機運を主導するため努力していく。それが日本のとるべき道ではないか。

To give momentum to the stagnant nuclear disarmament movement, it is vital to take more effective steps to close the rift between nuclear powers and non-nuclear nations.
　再び核廃絶への潮流を起こすには、核保有国と非核保有国の間の溝を埋めていくしかない。

Japan has a responsibility to keep recounting its suffering from the atomic bombings to make the world understand the consequences of nuclear attacks.
　日本には被爆の経験を世界に訴える責任がある。

Tokyo should take the outcome of the vote on the resolution as a signal for the need to review its diplomatic strategy for promoting the reduction of nuclear arms.
今回の決議の採決結果を、核軍縮外交を練り直すきっかけとしたい。

思いやり予算 日米同盟の信頼損ねぬ議論を

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan-U.S. talks on ‘sympathy budget’ must be based on trust in alliance
思いやり予算　日米同盟の信頼損ねぬ議論を

Tokyo should conduct discussions calmly with Washington over its budgetary appropriations for host-nation support to U.S. forces in Japan — known as “omoiyari yosan” (sympathy budget) — because this support is crucial for this country’s security.
　日本の安全保障に不可欠な経費負担であり、冷静に議論したい。

Negotiations between Japanese and U.S. governments have gone into high gear over a special treaty to determine Japan’s share of the cost of U.S. forces stationed in this country in fiscal 2016 and thereafter.
　２０１６年度以降の在日米軍駐留経費の日本側負担（思いやり予算）を定める特別協定を巡り、日米両政府の交渉が本格化している。

The Japanese side is insisting on a drastic reduction of its burden, but the U.S. side is poised to maintain its demand that the cost be increased by several tens of percents.
　日本側が大幅な削減を主張するのに対し、米側は数十％の増額を求めて譲らない構えだ。

The Japanese government wants to conclude the negotiations by the end of this year and have a new draft treaty endorsed by the ordinary Diet session next year.
　年末までに交渉を妥結させたうえ、日本政府は来年の通常国会で新協定案の承認を求める。

The sympathy budget made its debut in fiscal 1978. It mainly pays for the development and maintenance of barracks and housing units stipulated under the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, and labor costs and some of the expense of lighting, heating and water determined by a special treaty that is renewed every two to five years.
　思いやり予算は、１９７８年度から始まった。日米地位協定に基づく隊舎、住宅などの施設整備費と、２～５年ごとに更新される特別協定で定める労務費や、光熱水料の一部負担が柱である。

The sympathy budget in fiscal 2015 is ¥189.9 billion. The budget has been gradually reduced after reaching a peak at ¥275.6 billion in fiscal 1999. But it has tended to level off in recent years.
　１５年度の総額は、１８９９億円だ。９９年度の２７５６億円をピークに徐々に減少してきたが、近年は横ばい傾向にある。

In the current negotiations with the United States, Japan is requesting the abolition or reduction of the labor costs for employees at movie theaters and other entertainment facilities within U.S. bases, as well as expenses for lighting, heating and water because of the country’s difficult fiscal situation and the recent depreciation of the yen.
　日本側は今回の交渉で、基地内の映画館など娯楽施設従業員の労務費や、光熱水料の廃止・縮減を求めている。厳しい財政事情や円安傾向が続いているためだ。

Bases key for security

Japan’s share of the burden will certainly increase in the future due to realignment of U.S. forces stationed in the country such as the transfer of U.S. marines in Okinawa Prefecture to Guam.
　在沖縄海兵隊のグアム移転など在日米軍再編に伴う日本側の財政負担は今後、確実に増加する。

Formulation of new Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation and development of the new security-related laws will lead to the Self-Defense Forces expanding activities conducted jointly with U.S. forces. Japan uses this as one of the reasons for demanding a reduction of its cost burden.
　新たな日米防衛協力の指針（ガイドライン）の策定や安全保障関連法の整備により、自衛隊の米軍協力の余地も広がる。これらも、減額要求の理由としている。

It is a matter of course for the government to try to eliminate wasteful spending in reducing the amount it pays for U.S. forces stationed in Japan and to rationalize use of the sympathy budget.
　駐留経費の無駄遣いを排除するとともに、予算の使途の合理化を図るのは当然のことだ。

However, U.S. forces stationed in Japan are a foundation of the Japan-U.S. alliance. Therefore, it is significant to maintain quality of life for U.S. military personnel.
　ただ、米軍の駐留は、日米同盟の根幹である。米兵の「生活の質」を維持することも重要だ。

Washington has reportedly cited reduction of its defense spending and the arms buildup due to its rebalancing effort to Asia as reasons for demanding an increase in Japan’s burden.
　米側は、増額要求の理由として、国防費の削減や、アジア重視のリバランス（再均衡）政策に伴う軍備増強を挙げているという。

North Korea’s nuclear development and China’s maritime advances have made the security environment surrounding Japan increasingly volatile. The significance of the deterrence provided by U.S. forces in Japan is certainly increasing.
　北朝鮮の核開発や、中国の海洋進出などで、日本を取り巻く安全保障環境は厳しさを増している。在日米軍の抑止力の重要性が高まっているのは確かだ。

Also, U.S. forces in Japan are in effect a public asset for the Asia-Pacific region. It was a U.S. Aegis-equipped destroyer based at Yokosuka Naval Base that sailed within 12 nautical miles of at least one of China’s artificial islands in the South China Sea.
　在日米軍はアジア太平洋地域の公共財という側面もある。南シナ海で中国の人工島の１２カイリ内を航行したのは、米軍横須賀基地配備のイージス駆逐艦だった。

The government has shouldered part of the costs for U.S. forces in Japan not out of “sympathy.” They are necessary costs to secure peace and stability of Japan and in its neighboring region, and a fair share of responsibility as a U.S. ally.
　在日米軍経費の一部を日本が負担するのは、「思いやり」ではない。日本と地域の平和と安定を確保するための必要経費であり、同盟国としての責任の分担だ。

The negotiations for the current treaty from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2015 experienced rough going, too, because of the vast difference between assertions made by Japan and the United States. But they finally agreed to maintain the status quo.
　１１～１５年度の現協定の交渉も双方の主張の隔たりが大きく、難航したが、最終的に現状維持で折り合った。

Tokyo and Washington must search for common ground by negotiating with each other based on how important this alliance is.
日米両政府は、同盟関係の重要性を踏まえて交渉し、着地点を探ることが大切である。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 7, 2015)

もんじゅ勧告へ 核燃サイクル継続へ正念場だ

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Nuclear fuel cycle project faces crucial juncture for its continuation
もんじゅ勧告へ　核燃サイクル継続へ正念場だ

The nuclear fuel cycle project is an important pillar of Japan’s energy policy. For the fuel cycle project to continue, there is an urgent need to rebuild its system.
　核燃料サイクル事業は日本のエネルギー政策の重要な柱だ。その継続のためには、体制の立て直しが急務である。

The Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) decided Wednesday that the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), which oversees Monju, the fast breeder reactor, is not capable of operating and managing the reactor.
　高速増殖炉「もんじゅ」の運営主体である日本原子力研究開発機構について、原子力規制委員会が「十分な能力がない」との判断を示した。

The NRA has also decided to issue a recommendation to the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry, which supervises the agency, to find an entity to take over operations and management of Monju from the JAEA within six months.
　監督官庁の文部科学省に対しては、半年をメドに別の運営主体を探すよう勧告することを決めた。

If the ministry fails to find a new entity, the NRA will call on the ministry to drastically reexamine what to do with Monju in the future.
新たな運営主体が見つからない場合には、もんじゅの在り方を抜本的に見直すことを求める。

Unlike an ordinary nuclear reactor, Monju is a special reactor that uses sodium as coolant. It will not be easy to find a new entity to take over its operations.
　一般の原子炉とは異なり、もんじゅは、ナトリウムを冷却材に使う特殊な炉だ。新たな担い手を探すのは容易ではあるまい。

The NRA’s decision to issue the recommendation can be viewed as a way of keeping pressure on the science and technology ministry to take rigorous measures, including the possibility of decommissioning Monju.
　規制委の勧告決定は、廃炉の可能性を含めて、文科省に厳しい対応を迫る内容と言えよう。

Monju achieved criticality for the first time in 1994. Following a sodium leak accident in 1995, however, the reactor has hardly been put into operation.
　もんじゅは１９９４年に初臨界を達成した。だが、９５年にナトリウム漏えい事故が起きた後は、ほとんど運転できていない。

In November 2012, when the reactor was in preparation for its restart, the NRA conducted an on-site inspection at the facility and found that the agency’s safety checks, including the setting of regular inspection periods, for about 10,000 out of nearly 50,000 pieces of equipment at the plant, were not appropriate. In May 2013, the NRA ordered the agency to suspend the preparatory work for restarting the reactor.
　運転再開の準備中だった２０１２年１１月、立ち入り調査した原子力規制庁は、５万点近くある機器のうち、約１万点の点検期間の設定などが適切ではないと指摘した。規制委は１３年５月、運転準備作業の停止を命じた。

Poor report card

Even after that, the agency was criticized repeatedly for inadequate safety inspections, while engineering staff at the plant dealt with the problems only belatedly.
　その後も、点検の不備が相次いで問題視され、現場の技術陣の対応も後手に回った。

Undeniably, there is a problem with the agency’s capability in dealing with the issues. It is understandable for the NRA to criticize the agency, saying, “The JAEA had been explaining that things would be improved, but it has been failing to achieve results.”
　原子力機構の対処能力に問題があることは否定できまい。規制委が「原子力機構は改善すると説明してきたが、結果が伴わない」と批判したのは、無理もない。

The responsibility of the science and technology ministry, which failed to improve this situation, is also extremely grave.
　事態を改善できなかった文科省の責任も極めて重い。

In its Strategic Energy Plan approved by the Cabinet in April last year, the government heralded once again the promotion of the nuclear fuel cycle. The government judged that changing the policy of promoting the nuclear fuel cycle would make it difficult for the nation to make effective use of a nuclear power generation in the future.
　政府は、昨年４月に閣議決定したエネルギー基本計画で、核燃料サイクルの推進を改めて掲げた。政策を変更すれば、将来にわたる原子力発電の有効活用が困難になると判断したためだ。

Meanwhile, the government considers Monju as a nuclear reactor essential to test such capabilities as efficiently reprocessing radioactive waste.
　もんじゅについては、放射性廃棄物を効率良く燃やす性能などを試験するために不可欠な原子炉と位置付けている。

The latest development may create a hole in the Strategic Energy Plan. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said at a press conference Wednesday, “The science and technology ministry should solve the issue promptly.” But measures to rebuild the system for the nuclear fuel cycle project should be discussed from a broad perspective by the government as a whole.
　今回の事態は、基本計画に綻びを生じさせかねない。菅官房長官は記者会見で、「文科省が速やかに解決すべきだ」と述べたが、政府として、立て直しに向けた打開策を幅広く検討すべきだ。

Many of the engineers who were in active service when Monju was constructed have already retired. The present plight shows the importance of maintaining and passing on technical knowledge. The NRA has also presented a viewpoint that a “deterioration in technical expertise” has made the matter more serious.
　もんじゅ建設時の技術陣の多くは既に退職している。現在の苦境は、技術を維持・継承していくことの重要性を物語る。規制委も「技術の劣化」が、事態を深刻化させているとの見解を示した。

Measures to foster human resources engaged in nuclear power also need reinforcing.
　原子力に携わる人材の育成策も強化せねばなるまい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 5, 2015)

 

南シナ海情勢 「航行の自由」確保へ結束せよ

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Stand together to secure freedom of navigation in South China Sea
南シナ海情勢　「航行の自由」確保へ結束せよ

Concerned countries should jointly call on China, which has been using force to unilaterally change the status quo in the South China Sea, to exercise self-restraint.
　南シナ海で力による現状変更を一方的に進める中国に対し、関係国が連携して自制を求めることが大切である。

U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter held talks with his Chinese counterpart Chang Wanquan in Malaysia on the sidelines of a meeting of defense ministers from member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other concerned countries.
　マレーシアで開かれた拡大東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）国防相会議に合わせて、カーター米国防長官が、中国の常万全国防相と会談した。

Carter referred to a U.S. military vessel that sailed within 12 nautical miles of at least one of the artificial islands made by China in the South China Sea, and told Chang that the U.S. military would continue similar operations in the future.
　南シナ海に中国が造成した人工島の１２カイリ内を米軍艦艇が航行したことに関連し、今後も同様の活動を継続する方針を伝えた。

The United States is behaving legitimately in using concrete actions to demonstrate the “freedom of navigation” based on international law.
米国が国際法に基づく「航行の自由」を実際の行動で具体的に示すことには、正当性がある。

Carter also demanded that China discontinue its reclamation and militarization of the disputed reefs for good. Chang opposed him, saying issues of the South China Sea are related to his country’s core interests. But, any action by China that undermines “freedom of navigation” for its “core interests” cannot be tolerated.
　カーター氏は「埋め立てと軍事拠点化の永続的中止」も求めた。常氏は「南シナ海問題は中国の核心的利益に関わる」と反発した。
「核心的利益」を理由に、「航行の自由」を蔑ないがしろにするような行為は容認できない。

It is regrettable that the forum of defense ministers failed to adopt a joint statement.
　残念なのは、国防相会議で共同宣言の採択が見送られたことだ。

Malaysia, which chaired the forum, stopped at simply announcing a statement emphasizing the significance of adopting as soon as possible a code of conduct that would legally bind the conduct of concerned countries.
議長国のマレーシアは、各国の行動を法的に拘束する行動規範の早期策定の重要性を強調する声明を公表するにとどめた。

China’s Defense Ministry blamed the United States for failure to adopt a joint statement, saying certain countries outside the region forcibly tried to include content unrelated to the discussions, but this is unreasonable.
　共同宣言見送りに関して、中国国防省が「域外国が議論と関係ない内容を強引に入れようとたくらんだためだ」などと米国を非難したのは、筋違いだ。

Varying links with China

Degrees of closeness with China are different among ASEAN countries. Not a few of them support “freedom of navigation” but consider their economic ties with China important and do not want to cause any trouble with Beijing.
　ＡＳＥＡＮ各国の間では、中国との親密さに濃淡がある。「航行の自由」には賛成でも、経済関係を重視し、中国との間に波風を立てたくない国が少なくない。

“Japan supports actions by the U.S. military in order to protect the order of free and open seas,” Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said during his talks with Carter. Stability in the South China Sea is also significant to secure the safety of sea-lanes for Japan.
　中谷防衛相はカーター氏との会談で、「自由で開かれた海の秩序を守る観点から米軍の行動を支持する」と語った。南シナ海の安定は、日本の海上交通路（シーレーン）の安全確保にも重要だ。

Japan and the United States must further encourage concerned countries to take actions for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea ahead of the summit meeting of leaders from ASEAN members and other concerned countries to be held later this month.
　今月後半のＡＳＥＡＮ関連首脳会議に向け、日米は各国への働きかけを強めねばなるまい。

Meanwhile, the United States maintains dialogues and the exchange of military personnel with China. Adm. Harry Harris, commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, visited Beijing recently and held talks with Fan Changlong, vice-chairman of China’s Central Military Commission and the most senior uniformed officer of the Chinese military.
　一方で、米国は中国との対話や軍事交流を維持する。米太平洋軍のハリス司令官が訪中し、中国軍制服組トップの范長竜・中央軍事委員会副主席と会談した。

It is an urgent task for U.S. and Chinese forces to set up a hotline to avoid unforeseen accidents and clashes between their vessels and planes.
　艦艇や航空機の不測の事故や衝突を避けるため、軍同士の連絡体制を確保することが急務だ。

The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration late last month decided to hear territorial claims the Philippines had filed against Beijing that China’s artificial islands, which are built on reefs that go underwater at high tide, are not entitled to recognition as base points for claiming territorial waters.
　中国の人工島については、ハーグの常設仲裁裁判所が先月下旬、「満潮時に海に沈む暗礁であり、領海の基点にはならない」とするフィリピンの訴えに関して、審理の開始を決定した。

This is an appropriate judgment because it means the tribunal rejected China’s claim that the court has no jurisdiction over disputes about territorial sovereignty.
　「領土主権は裁判所に管轄権はない」との中国の主張を退けたもので、適切な判断だ。

China should sincerely participate in the trial to act in concert with the international community.
中国は誠実に裁判に応じ、国際社会と協調すべきである。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 5, 2015)Speech

トルコ総選挙 対「イスラム国」で結束を急げ

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Stability in Turkey necessary for united front against ISIL
トルコ総選挙　対「イスラム国」で結束を急げ

Turkey plays an important role in key international issues such as the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) extremist group as well as the refugee crisis. It is essential that the nation’s political situation should stabilize.
　トルコは、過激派組織「イスラム国」との戦いや難民問題の対応で重要な役割を担う。政情の安定化が欠かせない。

The ruling Justice and Development Party, a moderate Islamic party known as AKP, won Sunday’s snap election, securing a single-party majority in the parliament. In June, the AKP fell short of securing a majority in the general election, and the party also failed to form a coalition. Following the deadlock, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared another election.
　トルコ総選挙で、イスラム穏健派の与党、公正発展党が勝利し、単独過半数を獲得した。６月の総選挙では過半数に達せず、連立政権作りに失敗したことから、再選挙となっていた。

The political confusion has caused foreign capital to flee the country, which resulted in the depreciation of the nation’s currency. In early October, about 100 people were killed in Ankara by suicide bombings believed to be conducted by ISIL. We believe that the outcome of the recent election shows the majority of the people’s desire for a stable government, reflecting their concern about the nation’s future.
　内政の混乱を受けて外国資本が逃避し、通貨安を招いている。首都アンカラでは１０月上旬、「イスラム国」の犯行とみられる爆弾テロが起き、約１００人が死亡した。懸念を抱く多数の国民が安定政権の発足を求めたのだろう。

As battles between the government troops and Kurdish militants continue, the pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party has lost a significant number of its seats in the election. Kurds make up about 15 percent of the nation’s population, and voices demanding more autonomy are prevalent among them.
　政府軍とクルド人武装組織の戦闘が続く中、クルド系政党は議席を大きく減らした。クルド系住民は国内人口の約１５％を占め、自治権拡大を要求する声が強い。

The conflict between citizens of Turkish and Kurdish ethnicity has spilled over to Japan, resulting in a scuffle in front of the Turkish Embassy in Tokyo in late October.
　トルコ系とクルド系の対立は日本に飛び火し、１０月下旬には、トルコ大使館前で乱闘があった。

We hope friction between different ethnic groups will not hamper efforts to tackle issues such as the prolonged civil war in neighboring Syria, as well as terrorist threats. It is apparent that Erdogan must work for national reconciliation.
　民族間のあつれきが増すことで、隣国シリアの長引く内戦やテロへの対処がおろそかになるのは望ましくない。エルドアン大統領には、国民融和に向けた取り組みが必要となろう。

Dark side of Erdogan

Erdogan led the nation to rapid economic growth after taking office as prime minister in 2003. He assumed his current role last year by winning the nation’s first direct presidential election. The president is now seeking constitutional amendments that would give more power to the president.
　２００３年から首相を務めたエルドアン氏は高成長を主導し、初の直接選挙となった昨年の大統領選で当選した。大統領権限を強める憲法改正を目指している。

There is persistent criticism against his high-handed political attitude, such as police raiding offices of an opposition media group during the election campaign period and an interruption of a TV broadcast. It is obvious that the election victory does not mean that the public has approved such interference with the media.
　選挙期間中の反政府系メディアへの警官隊突入やテレビ局の放送中断など、強権的姿勢に対する批判も根強い。選挙に勝利したからといって、報道への介入まで容認されたことにはなるまい。

The Erdogan administration has prioritized its efforts on toppling the regime of Syria’s Bashar Assad. In contrast, efforts against ISIL have been lagging behind, as airstrikes against ISIL and joint military operations with the United States have just begun this summer.
　エルドアン政権はこれまで、シリアのアサド政権打倒を優先してきた。「イスラム国」空爆や米国との作戦協力は今夏に始めたばかりで、後手に回っていた。

It is likely that Ankara will continue its military operations against Kurdish militants, a move that will only benefit ISIL. We believe it is worth considering the resumption of a ceasefire with the militants, which was suspended in July.
　今後も、トルコはクルド人武装組織に対する攻撃を続けるとみられる。だが、これでは、「イスラム国」を利するだけだろう。今年７月に中断した武装組織との停戦を改めて実施することも模索すべきではないか。

Many foreign fighters of ISIL have entered Syria via Turkey. In contrast, about 2 million Syrian refugees have crossed the border to Turkey, with some of them heading for Europe. It is urgent for Turkey to thoroughly manage its border with Syria, which stretches for about 900 kilometers.
　「イスラム国」の外国人戦闘員の多くはトルコ経由でシリアに越境している。逆に、約２００万のシリア難民がトルコに入り、一部は欧州に向かう。約９００キロに及ぶ国境の管理徹底は急務だ。

Historically, Japan has deep ties with Turkey. In October, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Erdogan confirmed they will reinforce cooperation between the two countries at a summit meeting. In mid-November, a Group of 20 summit meeting will be held in Turkey. We urge Japan, the United States and European nations to proactively support the country in measures to deal with terrorism and the refugee crisis.
　日本はトルコと歴史的に関係が深い。安倍首相は１０月の首脳会談で連携強化を確認した。今月中旬にはトルコで主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）首脳会議が開かれる。日本と米欧はテロ対策や難民問題で積極的に支援したい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 4, 2015)

日韓首脳会談 「未来志向」への道のりは遠い

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan, ROK face hard task forging future-oriented ties
日韓首脳会談　「未来志向」への道のりは遠い

　◆慰安婦問題を将来世代に残すな◆

Will the meeting between the top leaders of Japan and South Korea break the stalemate in the confrontation over issues of historical perception and territory, thereby leading to the restructuring the bilateral relationship into a future-oriented one?
　歴史認識や領土問題を巡る対立状況を打開し、「未来志向」の日韓関係を再構築する契機となるのだろうか。

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with South Korean President Park Geun-hye in Seoul for the first summit talks between the two countries in about 3½ years. They agreed to bolster bilateral cooperation in various fields, including security, economy and personnel exchange.
　安倍首相がソウルで韓国の朴槿恵大統領と初めて会談した。安全保障、経済、人的交流など様々な分野で日韓協力を強化することで一致した。

South Korea is primarily to blame for the stagnation of bilateral relations.
The deterioration was triggered by then South Korean President Lee Myung Bak’s visit to the Takeshima islands in August 2012 and his demand for an apology by the Emperor (over Japan’s past rule of the Korean Peninsula). This was accelerated by Park’s continued insistence that a solution to the so-called comfort women issue should be a prerequisite to the holding of summit talks.
　日韓首脳会談の開催は、約３年半ぶりだ。両国関係の停滞の主たる原因は韓国側にある。
　きっかけは、２０１２年８月の李明博大統領の竹島訪問と天皇陛下への謝罪要求だ。朴氏が、首脳会談を開催する前提条件に慰安婦問題の解決を掲げ続けたことが、それに拍車をかけた。

Dislike for S. Koreans
　◆朴氏に煽られた「嫌韓」

Park’s bad-mouthing diplomacy, in which she criticized Japan when she met dignitaries of other countries, and her obstinate anti-Japan stance evoked a dislike for South Koreans among Japanese.
　他国要人の前で日本を批判する朴氏の「告げ口外交」や、頑かたくなな反日姿勢も、日本国民の「嫌韓」感情を煽あおる悪循環を招いた。

The real purpose of diplomacy is not to adversely affect an entire bilateral relationship from a comprehensive perspective, even if there are difficult-to-resolve issues pending between the two countries.
　解決が困難な懸案を抱えていても、大局的見地に立ち、２国間関係全体に悪影響を与えないようにするのが本来の外交の役割だ。

Despite the existence of deep rifts over perceptions of history and other matters, Tokyo and Seoul need to work together toward building a constructive relationship of cooperation.
　歴史認識などで深い溝があっても、建設的な協力関係を築くため、日韓双方が努力する必要がある。

During the summit meeting, Abe and Park agreed to expedite talks on the comfort women issue with a view to resolving it as soon as possible, considering that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral ties. But it remains to be seen how the issue will be settled in concrete terms and when.
　慰安婦問題について、首脳会談では、今年が国交正常化５０周年の節目であることを念頭に、できるだけ早期の妥結を目指し、協議を加速することで一致した。だが、その妥結内容や時期は全く見通せない。

Park reportedly said, “The matter must be resolved promptly in a way that can be accepted by the victims and at a level satisfactory to the people.” If she demands compensation for former comfort women, what will be the legal basis? Furthermore, she leaves it up to the judgment of the former comfort women and others to solve the issue. Isn’t this an irresponsible stance?
　朴氏は「被害者が受け入れ、国民が納得できる水準で、速やかに解決されねばならない」と語った。元慰安婦への補償を求めているなら、何が法的根拠なのか。しかも、解決の判断を元慰安婦らに委ねる姿勢は無責任ではないか。

In response, Abe said, “We should not leave obstacles [to the solution] for future generations.” This is in tune with his statement marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, in which he emphasized, “we must not let our children ... even future generations be predestined to apologize.”
　安倍首相は、「将来世代に障害を残すことがあってはならない」と指摘した。戦後７０年談話で、次世代に「謝罪を続ける宿命を背負わせてはならない」と強調したのと軌を一にするものだ。

Discussions on concrete details will be held at the foreign ministry director general-level. It will be no easy task for them to compromise because of public opinion in the two countries.
　具体的な議論は、外務省の局長協議で行われるが、日韓双方の世論を背負って、妥協点を見いだすのは容易ではあるまい。

More compensation?
　◆女性基金をどう見るか

As for the issue of compensation for comfort women, it is clearly mentioned in the 1965 Agreement on the Settlement of Problems Concerning Property and Claims and Economic Cooperation between Japan and the Republic of Korea that the issue was legally settled “completely and finally.” Moreover, Japan has established the Asian Women’s Fund through which atonement money was provided for 61 former South Korean comfort women, accompanied by a letter of apology from the prime minister.
　請求権問題は、１９６５年の日韓請求権・経済協力協定で「完全かつ最終的に解決された」と明記されている。さらに日本は、アジア女性基金を設立し、首相のお詫わびの手紙とともに「償い金」を韓国の元慰安婦６１人に支給した。

In South Korea, however, an organization supporting former comfort women opposed the receipt of atonement money, leaving behind unpleasant feelings. How does Park assess such a development?
　だが、韓国では元慰安婦の支援団体が受け取りに反対し、後味の悪い結果となった。朴氏は、このことをどう評価するのか。

There is strong resistance among the people in Japan to the government implementing the additional measures sought by South Korea.
　韓国側が求める追加措置には、日本世論の抵抗が強い。

Even if some measures were taken, Japan would need a South Korean guarantee that it would be the final settlement.
何らかの措置を取るにしても、それが最終決着だとの韓国の保証が要る。

If Park really wants to resolve the issue, she should make clear what South Korea would do, rather than demanding that Japan make unilateral concessions. For instance, removing the statue of a comfort woman near the Japanese Embassy in Seoul would be a good starting point.
　朴氏が真剣に問題を解決したいなら、日本に一方的な譲歩を要求するのでなく、韓国が何をするかを明確にすべきだ。例えば、在ソウル日本大使館近くの慰安婦像の撤去は、その入り口となろう。

During the talks, Abe urged Seoul to lift its restrictions on imports of Japanese marine products at the earliest possible time.
　安倍首相は会談で、日本産水産物に対する韓国の輸入規制を早期に解除するよう求めた。

The marine products Japan ships do not contain radioactive materials in excess of safety standards. The credibility of Japanese safety inspections was later endorsed by inspections made by South Korea. Therefore, the assertion made by Seoul that “import restrictions have been imposed in consideration of the safety of the people” lacks scientific grounds.
　日本の出荷は、放射性物質が基準値以下の水産物に限られ、韓国側の調査でも裏付けられた。韓国の「国民の安全を考慮した措置」との主張は科学的根拠を欠く。

South Korea should withdraw its import restrictions on Japanese marine products without waiting for a conclusion to be reached by a dispute settlement panel set up within the World Trade Organization.
　韓国は、世界貿易機関の紛争処理小委員会の結論を待たず、輸入規制を撤廃すべきだ。

With regard to the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade accord, Park said she would expect Japan to cooperate should her country decide to join. Abe responded by saying that Japan would carefully monitor Seoul’s discussions about participating in the TPP.
　環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）については、朴氏が、韓国が参加を決めた場合は、日本の協力に期待すると表明した。首相は、韓国の参加の検討結果を見守りたいとの考えを示した。

During the trilateral summit meeting of Japan, China and South Korea held on Sunday, the three countries agreed to accelerate negotiations for a trilateral free trade agreement. There is no doubt that the broad agreement reached in the TPP negotiations among the members last month has prompted both China and South Korea, which have yet to join the TPP, to review their trade strategies.
　前日の日中韓首脳会談でも、自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）交渉の加速で一致している。１０月のＴＰＰ交渉の大筋合意が、未参加の中韓両国に通商戦略の見直しを迫っているのは間違いあるまい。

S. China Sea problems
　◆南シナ海で連携したい

On the issue of North Korea’s nuclear development, Abe and Park confirmed a policy of cooperating closely among Japan, the United States and South Korea with the aim of inducing Pyongyang to move toward denuclearization.
　北朝鮮の核開発問題について、日韓両首脳は、非核化に向けた行動を引き出すため、日米韓が緊密に連携する方針を確認した。

They also agreed that the two countries would cooperate on the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea.
日本人拉致問題に関して日韓が協力することでも一致した。

Meanwhile, Abe brought up the issue of China’s reef reclamation and militarization of artificial islands in the South China Sea, saying it was “a matter of concern commonly held by the international community.” He also said Japan wants to cooperate with South Korea and the United States to protect an open, free and peaceful sea.
　首相は、南シナ海での中国による岩礁埋め立てと軍事拠点化について「国際社会共通の懸念事項だ」と問題提起した。「開かれた自由で平和な海を守るため、韓国や米国と連携したい」とも述べた。

Park has been moving ever closer to China not only in the sphere of the economy but also in national security, as seen by her attendance at a military parade held in China in September. The United States also does not hide its distrust of Park’s actions.
　朴氏は、９月の中国の軍事パレードに出席するなど、経済面だけでなく安全保障面でも中国への傾斜を強めている。この動きには、米国も不信感を隠さない。

To prevent China from changing the status quo with its use of force, it is essential to reinforce security cooperation among Japan, the United States and South Korea. It is important for Tokyo and Washington to strongly counsel Seoul to avoid getting too close to China.
　中国の力による現状変更を許さないためには、日米韓の安保協力の強化が欠かせない。日米両国は、韓国の対中傾斜の是正を粘り強く促すことが大切だ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 3, 2015)

（社説）中国一人っ子 出産規制全廃すべきだ

--The Asahi Shimbun, Oct. 31
EDITORIAL: China should eliminate all restrictions on childbirths
（社説）中国一人っ子　出産規制全廃すべきだ

Decisions concerning childbirth should be left to individuals exercising their free will.
　出産は本来、人間の自由な営みに委ねられるべきものである。

China should discontinue its distorted policy of forcefully restricting the number of children a family can have.
政治が強制的に制限するという、いびつな施策をこれ以上続けるべきではない。

The Chinese government has decided to ease its strict “one-child” policy that limits the number of children in a family.
　中国政府が、一人っ子政策と呼ばれた産児制限を緩める。

The decision is part of the Communist Party’s 13th Five-Year Plan, which sets economic policy priorities for the five years beginning in 2016. The economic plan was worked out in the recent Fifth Plenary Session of the party’s Central Committee.
今週開かれた共産党中央委員会の第５回全体会議で、来年からの経済方針である第１３次５カ年計画の概要に盛り込まれた。

In most countries, the government’s role in family planning is limited to educational and awareness campaigns at most.
　多くの国では、家族計画への政府の関与はせいぜい教育・啓発活動までだ。

China’s one-child policy, which has been in place since 1979, was originally a response to concerns about food shortages. But this drastic population control policy has been internationally criticized because it has involved serious human rights violations, including forced abortions.
１９７９年以来続いた一人っ子政策は食糧不足への心配によるものとはいえ、妊娠中絶の強制など深刻な人権侵害を伴い、国際的な批判を浴びてきた。

In a 2013 move to ease the restrictions, the government allowed couples, where at least one parent was an only child, to have a second child. Beijing has now decided to allow all couples to have two children.
　一昨年の緩和策では「両親いずれかが一人っ子なら２人目を認める」というものだった。今回は、例外なく２人目を認めるという。

This is a step forward, but the system of regulatory birth control will remain in place. China should scrap this system altogether.
一歩前進ではあるが、産児制限の制度は残る。全面的に撤廃するべきだ。

The government of President Xi Jinping, who has been pursuing a policy agenda focused on expansion of national power, probably decided on the policy change out of concerns about the consequences of tight population control. The Xi administration is facing the tough challenge of how to deal with serious problems caused by the country’s declining working population and the aging of society, such as slowing economic growth and a growing social security burden.
　国の富強をめざす習近平（シーチンピン）政権は、労働人口の減少と高齢化がもたらす経済成長の鈍化や社会保障負担の増大にどう対応するか、という問題意識から政策変更に踏み切ったのだろう。

From this point of view, the decision has come too late.
その観点から考えても、遅きに失したと言わざるを得ない。

A country’s demographic future can be predicted with considerable accuracy.
　人口は、かなりの確かさで将来を予測できる。

In China, where birthrates have fallen to extremely low levels due to the one-child policy, there have long been concerns that the effects of the aging population will start hurting the nation’s economic performance before its people become wealthy.
Due to this alarming prospect, there have been strong calls for the abolition of the controversial policy in China.
出生率が下がった中国には、経済的に豊かになる前に高齢化が進むという根本的な懸念があり、一人っ子政策の撤廃を主張する声はかねて強かった。

Why has the Chinese government been so slow to change the policy? One possible explanation is that a firmly entrenched system to regulate childbirths supported by a vast number of officials in central and local governments has led to vested interests.
　なぜ遅れたのか。考えられるのは、計画出産を管理する体制が中央から地方まで膨大な人員によって築き上げられ、一種の権益化が進んだことだ。

It has been reported that fines imposed on couples who have violated the rules have been a source of revenue for local governments.
違反者に科せられる罰金が地方政府の財源になったとも伝えられる。

This is a structural problem deep-rooted in the country’s administrative and fiscal systems.
行財政のあり方全体が絡んだ構造的な問題である。

Easing the restrictions now may not produce much economic effect. In large Chinese cities, where the number of newborns has already declined as significantly as it has in Japan, the step to relax the policy in 2013 has only led to a marginal rise in births.
　いまやっと制限緩和しても、経済効果はそうないかもしれない。大都市では日本同様の少子化が進み、一昨年の緩和による出生増は限定的だった。

Even if the number of babies increases significantly, it will be more than 10 years down the road before they can join the nation’s work force.
もし増えても、新たな働き手として社会に加わるのは十数年先だ。

The new Five-Year Plan also calls for promoting migration from rural areas to cities as a way to increase the working population.
　新しい５カ年計画には、労働人口を増やす方策として、農村人口の都市受け入れを促すことが盛り込まれた。

This policy measure alone is related to a wide range of issues, including land problems in farming villages and the necessity to expand the social security and education systems for urban residents.
このことだけでも、農村の土地問題、社会保障や教育の受け皿など、関連する課題が多岐にわたる。

In addition to the demographic shift, China is now simultaneously facing almost all the various challenges Japan had to grapple with over the period of its fast economic growth from the late 1950s through early 1970s, including widespread environmental pollution.
　こうした人口移動のほか、公害など、いわば日本の高度成長期を圧縮する形で諸問題に直面しているのが、いまの中国の姿だ。

The goal of the Xi administration’s domestic reform agenda should be to build a future where the country’s 1.3 billion people and children who will be born in the coming years can live with a sense of security.
習政権の国内改革がめざすべき目標は、１３億人とこれから生まれる子どもたちが安心して暮らせる国造りに尽きる。

（社説）辺野古、本体工事着手 埋め立て強行は許されぬ

--The Asahi Shimbun, Oct. 30
EDITORIAL: Japan's cherished values apparently don't apply to Okinawa
（社説）辺野古、本体工事着手　埋め立て強行は許されぬ

How long does the central government intend to continue the history of discriminatory treatment against Okinawa?
　政府はいつまで、沖縄に差別的な歴史を強いるのか。

The government on Oct. 29 started the main part of land reclamation work in the Henoko district of Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, to build a new U.S. air base to replace the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Ginowan, a crowded city in the southernmost prefecture.
　米軍普天間飛行場の移設先、名護市辺野古で政府は、埋め立ての本体工事に着手した。

We cannot help but cast serious doubt on the way the Abe administration has been forging ahead with its plan to build the base, paying little attention to the voices of many people in Okinawa who have clearly rejected the plan.
　新基地建設に「ＮＯ」という多くの沖縄県民の声に耳を傾けようとせず、一連の手続きを強行する安倍政権の姿勢に、深刻な疑問を感じざるを得ない。

The administration is running roughshod over Okinawan people’s will and human rights.
　沖縄県民の人権と民意がないがしろにされている。

At the same time, the situation raises some serious questions about the moral standards of this nation, which keeps forcing Okinawa, only a small part of it, to bear an unfairly excessive burden for national security.
　同時に、沖縄という一地域に過度の負担を押しつける、この国のあり方が問われている。

Reasons for Okinawa’s rejection of Henoko plan
　■沖縄の「ＮＯ」の理由

We again urge the administration to immediately stop the construction work in Henoko and hold serious talks with the Okinawa prefectural government over the issue.
　政府に改めて求める。工事を速やかに中止し、県と話し合いの場をもつべきだ。

Let us look back again on Okinawa’s history from the viewpoint of Okinawa’s people.
　いま一度、沖縄県民の心情に寄り添ってみたい。

In the closing days of the Pacific War, Okinawa became a scene of a devastating ground battle that killed a quarter of the local population. Okinawa was used as a “sacrifice” for the defense of mainland Japan.
　太平洋戦争末期、沖縄は県民の４人に１人が犠牲になる痛ましい地上戦を経験した。本土防衛の「捨て石」とされたのだ。

For many years after the end of the war, Okinawa was excluded from the benefits of Japan’s postwar Constitution, which espouses pacifism and guarantees basic human rights. The U.S. military, which ruled Okinawa with an iron fist, took land from local residents forcefully with “bayonet and bulldozer” and built bases around the prefecture.
　その沖縄は戦後、平和主義や基本的人権を保障した日本国憲法から隔絶された。米軍統治のもと、「銃剣とブルドーザー」で土地を奪われ、強権的な支配のなかで米軍基地が広がる。

Forty-three years since Okinawa’s long-awaited reversion to Japanese sovereignty, the prefecture, which constitutes only 0.6 percent of national land, is still home to 73.8 percent of the facilities used exclusively by the U.S. military in Japan.
　念願の本土復帰から４３年。今なお、国土の０・６％の沖縄に全国の７３・８％もの米軍専用施設を抱えている。

Seven decades since the end of World War II, no other area in the world hosts as many foreign military bases.
　戦後７０年たつのに、これほど他国軍の基地が集中する地域が世界のどこにあろうか。

Okinawa has been continuously plagued by accidents, crimes, noise and other problems related to U.S. bases. This is the grim reality of Okinawa.
度重なる事故や犯罪、騒音などの基地被害に脅かされ続けてもいる。それが沖縄の現実である。

Despite all of this, Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga doesn’t deny the importance of Japan’s security alliance with the United States. Nor does he demand that the United States return its Kadena Air Base, which is important for deterrence provided by the U.S. forces.
　それでも、翁長雄志知事は日米同盟の重要性を否定していない。抑止力で重要な米空軍嘉手納基地の返還も求めていない。

Onaga and people in Okinawa are saying “no” to the government’s blatant attempt to force Okinawa to accept a new U.S. military base despite the prefecture’s long history of suffering from the heavy U.S. military presence.
　こうした歴史をたどってきた沖縄に、さらに「新たな基地建設」を押し付けようとする。そんな政府の姿勢に「ＮＯ」の声を上げているのだ。

Once a new base with state-of-the-art military facilities is built in Henoko, it will be hard to get it removed. It is quite likely to become a permanent base.
　辺野古に最新鋭の基地が造られれば、撤去は難しい。恒久的な基地になりかねない。

Listen to the voices of the people
　■民意に耳を傾けよ

The will of people in Okinawa to reject the planned new base was made indisputably clear in a series of elections last year. Candidates opposed to the Futenma relocation plan won in the Nago mayoral election in January, the Okinawa gubernatorial poll in November and in all of Okinawa’s four single-seat constituencies in the Dec. 14 Lower House election.
　それに「ＮＯ」を告げる沖縄の民意は、昨年の名護市長選、県知事選、総選挙の四つの小選挙区で反対派が相次いで勝利したことで明らかである。

But the series of actions taken by the Abe administration to build the new base makes it hard to believe that the administration has any serious interest in listening to the voices of people in Okinawa.
　政府にとって沖縄の民意は、耳を傾ける対象ではないのか。着工に向けた一連の手続きにも、強い疑問を禁じ得ない。

To override Onaga’s decision to revoke approval of land reclamation work for the Henoko project, the Defense Ministry’s Okinawa bureau resorted to the administrative complaint investigation system to request a temporary injunction against Onaga’s move. The land minister, a member of the same government, on Oct. 27 issued the requested injunction.
　翁長知事による埋め立て承認の取り消しに対し、沖縄防衛局は行政不服審査制度を使い、同じ政府内の国土交通相が取り消し処分の執行停止を認めた。

The system is originally designed to provide relief to private individuals who have suffered damage from actions by administrative organizations.
　この制度はそもそも、行政機関から不利益処分を受けた「私人」の救済が趣旨である。

How can the Defense Ministry’s local bureau qualify as a “private individual?” Is it reasonable for the land minister, a member of the Cabinet, to decide on a dispute between the central government and a prefectural government? There is serious doubt about the fairness of this step.
防衛局は「私人」なのか。政府と県の対立を、政府内の国土交通相が裁くのが妥当なのか。公正性に大きな疑問符がつく。

At the same time, the Abe administration has also embarked on the procedures for administrative substitute execution under the local government law in an attempt to disempower the prefectural government.
　政府は同時に、地方自治法に基づく代執行手続きにも着手し、知事の権限を奪おうとしている。

The administration’s confrontational attitude indicates that it has no intention to try to find common ground with the prefecture.
その対決姿勢からは、県と接点を探ろうという意思が感じられない。

As a point to note for the Okinawa governor’s permission for land reclamation in Henoko, talks are supposed to be held between the central government and the prefectural government before the main part of the work begins.
The administration has said repeatedly that the talks are already over, turning a deaf ear to the prefectural government’s claim that they are not.
　埋め立て承認の留意事項として本体着工前に行うことになっている事前協議についても、政府は「協議は終わった」と繰り返し、「終わっていない」という県の主張を聞こうとしない。

In addition, the administration has announced its decision to provide state subsidies for local development directly to the three districts of Kushi, Henoko and Toyohara in Nago, collectively known as the “Three Kube Districts,” bypassing the governments of Okinawa Prefecture and Nago.
　さらに政府は名護市の久志、辺野古、豊原の「久辺３区」に対し、県や市の頭越しに振興費を直接支出するという。

Do all these facts mean the administration intends to simply ignore the opinions and intentions of the prefectural and municipal governments, which are opposed to the Henoko base plan? Does the Abe administration think only areas that support its policy constitute the nation it serves?
　辺野古移設に反対する県や市は無視すればいい、そういうことなのか。自らの意向に沿う地域だけが、安倍政権にとっての「日本」なのか。

During the one-month intensive talks between Tokyo and Okinawa over the issue held this summer, the administration did little more than let the prefectural government say what it had to say.
　この夏に行われた１カ月の政府と県の集中協議も、結局は、県の主張を聞き置くだけに終わった。

Given that the administration later switched to a hard-line stance toward the prefecture, it is hard to deny that the talks were only intended as a means to buy time for enacting national security legislation.
その後、政府が強硬姿勢に一変したことを見れば、やはり安保関連法を通すための時間稼ぎにすぎなかったと言わざるを得ない。

Japan’s integrity called into question
　■日本が問われている

Removing the danger posed by the Funtenma air base is the usual refrain used by the government to justify its plan to build a new base in Henoko.
　「普天間飛行場の危険性を除去する」。政府はいつもそう繰り返す。

When the United States considered curtailing and consolidating its military bases in Okinawa, however, the Japanese government showed reluctance in supporting the idea.
しかし、かつて米国で在沖米海兵隊などの整理・縮小案が浮上した際、慎重姿勢を示したのは日本政府だった。

Nineteen years have passed since the 1996 agreement between Tokyo and Washington on the return of the Futenma base to Japan. Its original purpose was to ease the burden borne by Okinawa.
　９６年の普天間返還の日米合意から１９年。本来の目的は、沖縄の負担軽減のためだった。

To achieve the purpose, the government should first make all-out efforts to deliver on its promise to former Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima that the operations of the Futenma base will be terminated within five years.
　そのために、まず政府がなすべきは、安倍首相が仲井真弘多（ひろかず）・前知事に約束した「５年以内の運用停止」の実現に向けて全力を傾けることではないか。

The United States has been taking steps to deal with a major cut in its Marine Corps troops stationed in Okinawa, such as planning a transfer of thousands of Marines from Okinawa to Guam and rotational deployments to Hawaii and Australia.
　米国は、在沖海兵隊のグアム移転や、ハワイ、豪州などへの巡回配備で対応を進めている。

The situation argues for Japan’s fresh efforts to reassess its official position that the relocation of the Futenma base to Henoko is the only possible option and explore an alternative way through a major review of all factors underlying its security strategy for the entire region, including the supposed necessity of a new facility to take over the functions of the Futenma base.
　その現状を見れば、「辺野古移設が唯一の解決策」という固定観念をまずリセットし、地域全体の戦略を再考するなかで、代替施設の必要性も含めて「第三の道」を模索すべきだ。

The will of the people in one prefecture has been continuously ignored. As a democratic country, Japan must not overlook this reality.
　ひとつの県の民意が無視され続けている。民主主義国として、この現実を見過ごすことはできない。

Is Japan really a nation that respects human rights? Is it a nation where people can influence the future of their own communities?
　日本は人権を重んじる国なのか。地域の将来に、自分たちの意思を反映させられる国なのか――。

The question posed by the Futenma dispute is whether Japan, our nation, is a country that cherishes universal values.
　私たちの日本が、普遍的な価値観を大事にする国であるのかどうか。そこが問われている。

１億総活躍会議 スローガン倒れにならぬよう

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Plan for dynamic society must create more than just slogans
１億総活躍会議　スローガン倒れにならぬよう

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has put forth a policy of achieving what he calls “promoting the dynamic engagement of all citizens,” but isn’t it difficult for the people to have a specific image of such a society?
　安倍首相は「１億総活躍社会」の実現を打ち出したが、国民は具体的なイメージを描きにくいのではないか。

The national council to discuss concrete measures for the realization of the policy held its first meeting Thursday. After compiling urgent measures before the end of November, the panel plans to put together mid- and long-term steps as early as next spring.
　「１億総活躍社会」に向けた具体策を議論する政府の国民会議の初会合が開かれた。１１月中に緊急対策をまとめた上で、来春にも中長期的なプランを策定する予定だ。

Chairing the meeting, Abe said, “I hope to create a society where everyone can play an active role, by eliminating all policies that stand in the way of us achieving this.”
　議長を務める首相は「みんなが活躍できる社会を作るために、それを阻むあらゆる政策を取り除いていきたい」と強調した。

The government defines “a society that allows the dynamic engagement of its all citizens” as one in which “a population of 100 million [or more] can be maintained even 50 years from now” and “all citizens will be able to lead a fruitful life in their households, workplaces and communities.”
　政府は、「１億総活躍社会」の姿について、「５０年後も人口１億人を維持」「誰もが家庭、職場、地域で充実した生活を送れること」と説明する。

To realize these goals, Abe has put forth the new three arrows of his policy agenda: boosting the gross domestic product to ¥600 trillion, raising the birthrate hoped for by the people to 1.8 children per woman and reducing the number of workers who quit their jobs to provide nursing care to zero.
　それらを実現するため、首相は、「国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）６００兆円」「希望出生率１・８」「介護離職ゼロ」という新たな３本の矢を掲げている。

To prevent these policies from ending up as mere slogans, it is essential for the national council to serve as an engine to promote the integration of concrete targets and road maps.
　スローガン倒れにならぬよう、国民会議が推進役となり、具体的な目標と工程表をまとめ上げることが重要である。

Regarding the urgent measures, priority will most likely be placed on enhancing the birthrate and tackling the issue of workers quitting jobs to provide nursing care. Many aspects of these policy goals overlap with the government’s conventional policy initiatives of supporting women’s roles in society, vitalizing local economy to help deal with population decline and the overall growth strategy.
　緊急対策では、出生率の向上と介護離職問題に重点が置かれる見通しだ。成長戦略や女性活躍推進、人口減を念頭に置いた地方創生といった政府のこれまでの政策と重なる部分が多い。

New ideas needed

All these issues have also been discussed by such government panels as the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy, the Council for Industrial Competitiveness and the Council on Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy in Japan.
　政府の経済財政諮問会議や産業競争力会議、「まち・ひと・しごと創生会議」などで議論を重ねてきたテーマでもある。

It is conspicuous that some of the people who are members of these panels are also part of the new national council. This most likely indicates that cooperation with the existing panels was deemed important. To prevent the national council from ending up as an unnecessary addition, it is necessary to define its position clearly.
　国民会議には、これらの会議を兼務するメンバーが目立つ。既存の会議との連携を重視したのだろう。屋上屋を架したことにならないよう、国民会議の位置付けをはっきりさせるべきだ。

In line with the government’s policies, local governments have worked out overall strategies for local economy vitalization while businesses have begun to formulate action programs for promoting the appointment of women. It is approaching a critical stage.
　政府方針に沿い、自治体は地方創生の総合戦略を策定し、企業は女性登用の行動計画作りを始めている。これからが正念場だ。

We want the council to conduct its discussions while considering whether possible measures in this area are consistent with the conventional policy agendas.
　国民会議は、従来の政策分野との整合性を考慮して、議論を進めてもらいたい。

The measures that should be taken in each area have almost all been tabled. The council is expected to support their implementation by clarifying the order of priority and the sectors to be strengthened.
　どのテーマも、やるべき対策はほぼ出そろっている。国民会議に期待されるのは、施策の優先順位や強化すべき部分を明確にし、実施を後押しすることだろう。

We urge the council to come up with new ideas, such as lending state-owned land cheaply to build additional special nursing care homes.
　特別養護老人ホームを増設するため、国有地を安く貸し出すなど、新たなアイデアを提示することも求められる。

Government ministries and agencies are taking steps — action that was anticipated — to obtain higher budgets for the next fiscal year by linking their measures with the government’s policy to promote “dynamic engagement.” However, the government should not resort to adopting a casual handout policy that tries to fulfill the ruling parties’ desire to please voters ahead of the House of Councillors election set for next summer.
　予想されたことだが、各省庁に「１億総活躍」に絡めて来年度予算の増額を狙う動きが見られる。来年夏に参院選を控え、有権者にアピールしたい与党の思惑と相まって、安易なバラマキに陥ることがあってはならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 30, 2015)Speech