英字新聞
読売、毎日、朝日各社英字新聞の主として社説を学習研究します

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 31, 2010)
Time to capitalize on 'Cool Japan' boom
クール・ジャパン　海外の人気を成長に生かせ（8月30日付・読売社説）

Japanese pop culture--widely referred to as "Cool Japan"--has taken off overseas. The government should take advantage of this boom in all things Japanese to push domestic businesses' advance into foreign markets.
　海外での日本ブームは「クール（かっこいい）・ジャパン」と呼ばれている。これを企業の海外進出につなげることに、もっと知恵を絞りたい。

Japanese anime and manga have become immensely popular among young people overseas. Japanese fashion grabs plenty of headlines, and foods such as sushi are a hit with health-conscious diners.
　日本のアニメや漫画は海外の若者から絶大な人気を得ている。ファッションの注目度も高い。すしなどの和食は「健康にいい」と好評だ。

But this popularity has not necessarily led to overseas expansion by domestic companies involved in these industries. The domestic animation industry remains dominated by small and midsize companies, and exports of textiles have slackened. Japanese restaurants have been mushrooming the world over, but many are operated by non-Japanese.
　しかし、その人気が、必ずしも日本の関連産業の海外展開に結びついていない。アニメ産業は中小零細企業が圧倒的で、繊維産業の輸出も伸びていない。世界で急増する和食レストランも、その多くが日本人以外の経営だ。

While Japan fails to transform its overseas popularity into economic growth, South Korea has been increasing its presence in other Asian countries.
　日本がせっかくの人気を経済成長に生かせないのとは対照的に、アジア各地で存在感を増しているのが韓国である。

According to a report by the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry, CD and DVD stores in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore brim with South Korean dramas and K-pop albums by South Korean singers. In China, the sales of a South Korean apparel maker often compared with Japan's Uniqlo brand operator are going through the roof.
　経済産業省の報告書によると、香港、バンコク、シンガポールなどのＣＤ・ＤＶＤ売り場は、韓国ドラマや韓国人歌手らのＫポップがあふれている。中国では「韓国のユニクロ」と言われるファッション企業が売り上げを急速に伸ばしている。

Public-private sales model

As Korean dramas gain popularity, South Korean makers follow up by promoting fashion brands worn by actors and actresses starring in the programs. The South Korean private and public sectors seem to be jointly building a business model that uses Korean brands to expand sales in targeted countries.
　韓国ドラマが人気を得ると、韓流スターの着こなすファッションを売り込み、「韓国ブランド」の向上をテコに、韓国製品の売り上げにつなげる――というビジネススタイルを、官民挙げて築きつつあるようだ。

The government seems content for Japan to just be extolled overseas as "cool." However, we think the government has not tried hard enough, or been imaginative enough, in taking advantage of this popularity for the benefit of business expansion.
　日本は、海外で「クール」ともてはやされることに満足して、ビジネスに生かす発想と努力を欠いていたのではないか。

In June, the trade ministry released its "strategy to promote a culture-oriented industry." This plan to harness "Cool Japan" to revitalize the national economy seemingly reflects an awareness that more must be done to tap this industry.
　経産省が６月、クール・ジャパンを日本経済活性化の起爆剤の一つと位置づける「文化産業立国戦略」を策定したのも、そうした反省に立ったものだろう。

The strategy calls for an integrated support system--from product development to the signing of overseas sales contracts--for small and midsize companies that lack the expertise and funds needed to develop their business abroad. We hope the ministry's strategy will be steadily implemented.
　戦略では、海外展開に必要なノウハウも資金も不足している中小企業を対象に、商品開発から海外での販売契約まで一貫して支援する仕組みを整えることを盛り込んだ。着実に実施してほしい。

Get on same page

The government's administration of overseas activities has been divided among its ministries--the trade ministry fosters "Cool Japan" industries, the Foreign Ministry looks after cultural exchanges and the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry promotes Japanese foods.
　政府は従来、クール・ジャパンの関連産業の育成は経産省、文化交流は外務省、和食の海外ＰＲは農林水産省という具合に、各省庁が縦割りで対応してきた。

South Korean products could dominate rapidly growing Asian markets, but they are less likely to do so in European and U.S. markets, where Japanese brands' reputation for high quality is well entrenched.
　これでは、「日本製イコール高品質」というブランドイメージが確立する欧米市場はまだしも、成長著しいアジア市場は韓国勢に席巻されかねない。

Japan should emulate the Korean formula of ensuring cooperation transcends fields such as fashion, movies, food and manga, instead of promoting business through separate government ministries and agencies. If the "fences" between these government offices remain too high, the Cabinet minister and other politicians who head each ministry must step up and exercise leadership to make this cooperation a reality.
　韓国に倣い、省庁別でなく、ファッションと映画、食文化と漫画といった分野横断型の連携を強化すべきだ。省庁の“垣根”が依然高いなら、閣僚など政務三役が政治主導で進める必要があろう。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 30, 2010)
（2010年8月30日01時26分 読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 30, 2010)
Japan, ROK must partner, compete for future
日韓併合１００年　協調と競争の未来へ向けて（8月29日付・読売社説）

People of the Korean Peninsula, who were ruled by a different people, must regret the fact that their country was taken away and their pride was trampled upon. These feelings apparently are a source of the Korean people's strong sense of rivalry with and resentment against Japan.
　異民族に支配された朝鮮半島の人々には、国を奪われ、誇りを踏みにじられた無念の思いがあるだろう。それが日本への強烈な対抗心や反発をうむ源泉となっている。

Without Japan truly understanding these sentiments, its good-neighbor diplomacy will never come to fruition.
　その気持ちを理解せずして、日本の善隣外交は成り立つまい。

The Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty became effective 100 years ago, on Aug. 29, 1910. The world was in an age of imperialism at the time and Japan, like other imperialist countries, kept up with the tide of the times and colonized the peninsula.
　日韓併合条約が発効したのは、今から１００年前の１９１０年８月２９日である。当時は帝国主義の時代であり、日本もその流れに乗って朝鮮半島を植民地にした。

It is an undeniable fact that Japan's 35-year colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, until Japan's World War II defeat, still casts a shadow over the present-day Japan-South Korea relationship.
　敗戦まで３５年間の植民地統治が今日の日韓関係に影を落としているのは、否定しえない事実だ。

Earlier this month, ahead of the Aug. 29 centenary, Prime Minister Naoto Kan issued a statement expressing "deep remorse and heartfelt apology." This is because he places importance on the Japan-Korea relationship.
　菅首相が日韓併合１００年の談話で、「痛切な反省と心からのおわびの気持ち」を表明したのも日韓関係を重視してのことだ。

Japan must build a relationship with South Korea in which the two countries cooperate and compete each other.
韓国とは、協調し競争しあう関係を築いていかなければならない。

===

Impressive postwar growth

When Japan and South Korea normalized diplomatic ties in 1965, the two countries confirmed the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty to be "already null and void" and thereby entered a new relationship.
　１９６５年の日韓国交正常化の際、日韓併合条約を「もはや無効である」としたことによって、両国は新たな関係に入った。

Using funds provided by Japan, South Korea built dams, ironworks and expressways, and threw its energy into exports.
　韓国は、日本からの資金を使ってダムや製鉄所、高速道路を建設し、輸出に力を注いだ。

South Korea has transformed into an economically advanced country, achieving political democratization and affluence. Its society has diversified, and the now wealthy nation has changed from being a recipient of assistance to a country that provides it to others.
いまや経済先進国に変貌(へんぼう)し、政治の民主化も果たした。社会も多様化し、豊かになった韓国は援助される国から援助する国になっている。

Japan and South Korea are trade partners, and each maintains an alliance with the United States as its main axis of national security. The two countries also share values such as the market economy and democracy.
　日韓両国は、それぞれが米国との同盟を安全保障の軸に、互いを主要な貿易相手国とする、また市場経済や民主主義などの価値観を共有する関係にある。

===

International leadership

In November, South Korea will host a Group of 20 summit meeting while Japan will host a summit gathering of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.
　１１月には、韓国が世界２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）首脳会議を、日本がアジア太平洋経済協力会議（ＡＰＥＣ）首脳会議を主宰する。

Tokyo and Seoul play increasingly greater roles and have larger responsibilities when it comes to ensuring the world's stability and prosperity.
　世界の安定と繁栄のために、日韓が担う役割と責任は大きくなっている。

The two countries should never miss mutual opportunities and should strengthen their cooperation.
この機を逃さず、日韓協力を強化すべきだ。

How to establish a stable relationship with economic and military superpower China is a heavy task for both Japan and South Korea.
　経済・軍事大国となった中国とどう向き合い、安定した関係を作っていくかということも日韓共通の重い課題である。

The two countries also must appropriately respond to North Korea--a destabilizing factor in the region.
地域の不安定要因である北朝鮮には適切に対処していかなければならない。

It appears increasingly necessary that Japan and South Korea build a future-oriented bilateral relationship that is not mired in the past.
　過去にとらわれない「未来志向の日韓関係」を構築していく必然性は高まっている。

However, difficulties remain. Japan and South Korea, because they are neighbors, have deep relations rooted in history, and their sentiment toward each other tends to be complex. Japanese people feel increasingly more kinship with South Korea every year, but South Koreans still have a deep-seated distrust of Japan.
　だが、難題もある。日韓は隣り合うだけに歴史的なかかわりは深く、感情ももつれがちだ。日本国民の韓国への親近感は年々強まっているが、韓国にはまだ日本への根強い不信感がある。

In fact, pending issues between Japan and South Korea such as the territorial dispute over the Takeshima islets remain unresolved and a source of repeated diplomatic tension between the two countries.
　事実、竹島問題などの２国間の懸案は、解決しないまま衝突が繰り返されてきた。

Overcoming those difficulties is an assignment for both Japan and South Korea as they head into the next 100 years of their relationship.
　その難しさを克服していくことが、新たな１００年に向けての日韓両国の宿題だろう。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 29, 2010)
（2010年8月29日01時19分 読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 29, 2010)
More death penalty info should be disclosed
死刑刑場公開　まだ開示すべき情報は多い（8月28日付・読売社説）

The execution chamber at the Tokyo Detention House was shown to the media for the first time Friday.
　死刑が執行される東京拘置所の刑場が報道機関に初めて公開された。

With the introduction of the lay judge system, ordinary citizens now have a chance of being called to participate in the process of sentencing someone to death. The Justice Ministry, which had been reluctant to disclose information related to executions, has likely realized the need to change its earlier stance.
　裁判員制度が始まり、国民が死刑判決にかかわる可能性がある時代になった。これまで情報公開に消極的だった法務省も、姿勢を転換する必要性を認めたのだろう。

The ministry should make further efforts to disclose information on the death penalty.
　今後も死刑に関する情報の開示に努めるべきだ。

Media organizations were allowed to film or photograph certain areas, such as the room in which hangings take place, and the button control room, where prison officers push buttons to activate the trapdoor.
　報道機関には撮影も許可され、密室の様子が初めて外部に知らされた。絞首刑が行われる執行室や刑務官が執行ボタンを押す部屋などが公開された。

Debate requires data

Justice Minister Keiko Chiba this month set up a study panel within the ministry to discuss the death penalty system. Chiba, who had been calling for the abolition of capital punishment, expressed her intention to start discussions on whether the system should be maintained and stressed the need for national debate on the issue.
　千葉法相は今月、死刑制度のあり方を議論する勉強会を省内に作った。もともと死刑廃止論者だった法相は、制度の存廃論議を始める方針も示し、国民的な議論の必要性を強調している。

But the public in fact has been given little information that would help people think about the death penalty.
　しかし、国民には死刑制度を考える材料が、ほとんど明らかにされていないのが現状だ。

An execution must be carried out within six months after a death sentence is finalized, according to the Criminal Procedure Code. But this rule has not been followed. Over the past decade, the period from the finalization of a sentence to actual execution stood at five years and 11 months on average. Some death row inmates have been detained for more than two decades since their sentences were finalized. What has caused this situation?
　刑事訴訟法で定められている、死刑確定から６か月以内の刑の執行は守られていない。過去１０年の執行までの期間は平均で５年１１か月だ。確定から２０年以上拘置されている死刑囚もいる。なぜこうした事態が生じるのか。

In 1998, the Justice Ministry began to publicly announce when it had carried out executions and how many inmates were executed on each occasion. In 2007, it also began disclosing the names of the inmates who were executed. But it has not provided information on how decisions are made about which inmates are to be executed.
　１９９８年以降、執行の事実と人数のみを公表していた法務省は、０７年から死刑囚の氏名も公表するようになった。だが、執行順の決定過程は説明していない。

It also is hard to know anything about how death row inmates live in their cells and whether they regret what they have done.
　死刑囚が独房でどのような生活を送り、反省しているかどうかを知ることも難しい。

The Penal Code stipulates that executions are to be carried out by hanging. But we wonder whether arguments on this point have ever been raised.
　執行方法は刑法で絞首と定められているが、これに対する議論は一度もなかったのだろうか。

In the United Sates, where the death penalty exists in 35 of the 50 states, members of the media and relatives of crime victims can be present to watch executions. They also can be briefed by authorities about developments before actual executions.
　７割の州に死刑制度がある米国では、被害者遺族やメディアが執行に立ち会える。当局から執行までの経緯の説明も受けられる。

We think the Justice Ministry should provide as much information as possible while giving consideration to the privacy of death row inmates and the wishes of victims.
　法務省は死刑囚のプライバシーに配慮しつつ、被害者側の意向も踏まえた上で、可能な限り説明を尽くすべきではないか。

Some in the ministry were cautious about releasing detailed information on the final moments death row inmates face, being concerned that discussions of how executions are carried out and how inmates are treated would eventually lead to arguments supporting the abolition of the death penalty.
　法務省の内部には、死刑囚の最後の局面に関する詳細な情報を公開すると、執行方法や処遇などを巡る議論が、いずれ死刑廃止論議に結びついてしまうという警戒感があった。

It is necessary for the ministry to provide the public with information about the actual situation regarding the death penalty and to allow discussions as to whether practical details of the death penalty system, including the execution method, should be reviewed.
　死刑の現状を国民に知らせ、執行方法や制度の運用に見直すべき点がないのかどうか、問題提起する姿勢も必要だろう。

Seek the best system

An opinion survey conducted by the Cabinet Office showed that more than 80 percent of respondents were in favor of the death penalty. Many victims' relatives demand capital punishment as a penalty matching the seriousness of the crimes committed.
　内閣府の世論調査では、死刑制度容認派が８割を超えている。罪に見合う処罰として極刑を求める被害者遺族は多い。

We do not advocate rushing discussions on whether the death penalty should be maintained or abolished. Rather, we hope that discussions are held from the viewpoint of improving the existing system's operation.
　「存続か廃止か」の議論を急ぐのではなく、現行制度の運用を改善する視点の議論が望まれる。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 28, 2010)
（2010年8月28日01時13分 読売新聞）

to fend off a barrage of questions from the opposition camp
＝野党側の厳しい追及を乗り切っていく
英語はほとんど大丈夫、理解できる。
理解不能の日本語発見。
右顧左眄(うこさべん) =右を見たり左を見たりして迷うこと。左顧右眄。
Kokugo Dai Jiten Dictionary. Shinsou-ban (Revised edition) ｩ Shogakukan 1988/国語大辞典（新装版）ｩ小学館 1988
（スラチャイ）

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 28, 2010)
DPJ election should be battle over policy
小沢氏出馬表明　日本の針路を競う代表選に（8月27日付・読売社説）

The Democratic Party of Japan's upcoming presidential election is almost certain to be a two-man race between Prime Minister Naoto Kan, who is seeking reelection as DPJ chief, and former party Secretary General Ichiro Ozawa.
　民主党代表選は、再選をめざす菅首相と小沢一郎前幹事長との、事実上の一騎打ちになることが固まった。

Selecting the leader of the largest ruling party is effectively synonymous with choosing the next prime minister. 　与党第１党の党首選は首相選びに直結する。

We hope the DPJ will choose the winner of the race through a serious battle of words concerning the course this country should take.
The election should not be reduced to a race in which its two opposing camps struggle to win party members over to their respective sides, thus determining which can seize power: the bloc that wants Ozawa removed from the center of the party and the government, or the side that supports him.
「脱小沢」か「親小沢」かという権力争奪の多数派工作に堕することなく、あるべき日本の針路を論じ合って雌雄を決してほしい。

　◆分裂、政界再編の芽も◆
Ozawa has expressed his intention to run in the Sept. 14 election, campaigning for which will start Wednesday. 　小沢氏は、９月１日告示、１４日投開票の党代表選に出馬する意向を表明した。

His move comes after he secured the support of former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama; Ozawa had been considering entering the race if he could receive support from a wide range of DPJ lawmakers.
　党内の幅広い支持を得られることを前提に出馬を検討していた小沢氏は、鳩山前首相の支持をとりつけた上で立候補に踏み切った。

However, this does not mean Ozawa has been guaranteed support from most DPJ members.
だが、支持の大勢が固まっているわけではない。

Attempt at truce failed

A key factor behind the Kan-Ozawa showdown is the bitter discord between the former DPJ secretary general and senior party leaders seeking to eliminating his influence within the party, including the prime minister, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku and party Secretary General Yukio Edano.
　今回の対決の背景には、小沢氏と、「脱小沢」を掲げる菅首相や仙谷官房長官、枝野幹事長らとの強い軋轢(あつれき)がある。

Ozawa's announcement of his decision to run was preceded by Hatoyama's attempt to broker a compromise between Kan and Ozawa, in the hope of averting a deepening schism among intraparty groups.
　鳩山氏は、党の亀裂が深まる事態を避けるため、菅首相と小沢氏との仲介に動いた。

However, Kan was reluctant to accept Hatoyama's request to ensure key figures from each intraparty group, including Ozawa, were represented in the party's leadership and the Cabinet, in what could be called a whole-party approach.
だが、鳩山氏が小沢氏の要職起用を含む挙党態勢の構築を求めたのに対して、菅首相は難色を示した。

This bitterly antagonized Ozawa.
A decision by Ozawa not to run would have enabled Kan to win unopposed, a development that would cost the veteran DPJ kingpin support among a number of party members. Ozawa's decision to run can be seen as a last-resort measure to avoid this.
　小沢氏は反発し、菅首相の無投票再選を容認すれば、党内で孤立しかねず、窮余の決断になったものとみられる。

Kan's rejection of Hatoyama's request caused the former prime minister to shift his support from Kan to Ozawa. Hatoyama earlier said he would back Kan's bid to be reelected as DPJ president, provided he adopts a whole-party approach.
　挙党態勢を条件に「菅氏支持」を表明していた鳩山氏は、一転して「小沢氏支持」に変わった。

Hatoyama's obvious change of heart must be criticized as unacceptable. It is disconcerting that he has endorsed Ozawa's bid to become DPJ leader--we should remember that Hatoyama stepped down as party head and prime minister before the House of Councillors election in July to take the blame for the turmoil arising from his poorly thought-out approach to politically divisive issues, at the same time urging Ozawa to resign as party secretary general.
参院選前、政局混迷の責任をとってともに辞任した小沢氏を代表に推すのは、納得し難い行動だ。

Ozawa's decision to run in the wake of Hatoyama's failed peacemaking means he has concluded that taking the DPJ's top post will be the best way for him to escape the damned-if-he-does-and-damned-if-he-doesn't situation he is in. All this likely will turn the upcoming election into a battle that will divide the ruling party. The DPJ could be broken up into different groups and this could eventually result in a new round of political realignment--that is, new splits and mergers among both ruling and opposition parties.
　鳩山氏の調停失敗を受け、小沢氏が正面突破を図ったことで、代表選は党を二分する争いになる見込みだ。党分裂含みの展開も予想され、今後、野党を巻き込んだ政界再編の動きも出てこよう。

Back to basics
　◆「政治とカネ」説明を◆

Some groups of pro-Ozawa DPJ legislators have insisted their party "return to square one" in policy administration, saying the party's defeat in the upper house election was the result of its failure to honor its manifesto for last year's general election. These groups also have criticized Kan for stating his administration would explore the possibility of raising the consumption tax rate during campaigning for the upper house election.
　小沢支持グループは、参院選の敗北が衆院選の政権公約（マニフェスト）から逸脱した結果だとして、「原点回帰」を唱えている。菅首相の消費税率引き上げ検討発言も批判してきた。

However, it is easy to see that lavish handout policies such as child-rearing allowances cannot be carried out as initially pledged, given the extremely optimistic estimate drawn up by the DPJ regarding the necessary financial resources.
　しかし、子ども手当などのバラマキ政策は、当初の極めて甘い財源見通しにより、公約通りに実行できないのは明らかだ。

If Ozawa truly believes in a back-to-square-one approach, he must show what kind of realistic measures would be implemented to raise the funds necessary for promised policies, while also presenting a timetable for each policy as soon as possible.
　小沢氏が原点回帰路線に立つなら、公約実施に向けた現実的な財源と、工程表を早急に提示することが肝要だ。

This is not the only thing on Ozawa's must-do list; he must also fulfill his duty to answer questions about the political funding scandal surrounding him.
　小沢氏がなすべきことは、それだけではない。「政治とカネ」の問題について、きちんと説明責任を果たすことが欠かせない。

Ozawa's politics-and-money scandal includes alleged violations of the Political Funds Control Law in connection with a shady land purchase by his funds management organization. During the last ordinary Diet session, Ozawa refused to attend the House of Representatives' Deliberative Council on Political Ethics and state his position on the issue. He also escaped being forced to testify under oath in the Diet.
　自らの資金管理団体の土地購入をめぐる政治資金規正法違反事件について、小沢氏は先の通常国会では、衆院政治倫理審査会で弁明せず、証人喚問からも逃れた。

However, it will be extremely difficult for Ozawa to fend off a barrage of questions from the opposition camp in the divided Diet. The upper house is at the mercy of the opposition bloc due to the ruling coalition's loss of its majority in the July election, while the ruling parties have an overwhelming majority in the lower house.
　しかし、参院選の結果、与党が過半数を失ったことによる「衆参ねじれ国会」の下で、野党側の厳しい追及を乗り切っていくことは極めて難しい。

Ozawa seeking escape?

Ozawa will be automatically indicted in connection with his alleged funding irregularities if a Tokyo independent inquest-of-prosecution panel decides in autumn that his case merits indictment, after reconsidering prosecutors' earlier decision not to do so.
　今秋、検察審査会が再び、「起訴すべき」と議決すれば、本来なら小沢氏の強制起訴は免れない。

The Constitution contains an article that stipulates ministers of the state "shall not be subject to legal action without the consent of the Prime Minister" during their time in office.
ただ、憲法には「国務大臣は在任中、総理大臣の同意がなければ訴追されない」との規定がある。

Some DPJ members who support Kan have said Ozawa may be seeking to become prime minister in the hope of taking advantage of this constitutional provision to escape indictment.
　菅支持派からは「小沢氏は起訴を逃れるため、首相をめざすのではないか」との声も聞かれる。

What will Ozawa actually do, if and when the judiciary panel concludes he should be indicted? Well before the committee reaches its eventual decision on the case in question, Ozawa should tell the public how he will deal with such a situation.
　実際、「起訴議決」の場合、小沢氏はどう対処するのか。事前に明らかにする責任もあろう。

Meanwhile, Kan must take seriously Ozawa's candidacy for their party's leadership.
　一方、菅首相は、小沢氏の出馬が確定したことを、重く受け止めなければならない。

The DPJ's top echelon, including the prime minister, has done little to settle the dispute over their responsibility for the party's electoral setback. Neither have they fully analyzed why the ruling party was defeated in the upper house race. This failure has done much to foster discontent among many DPJ members.
　菅首相以下、民主党執行部は、参院選敗北について明確な責任をとらず、敗因についても十分な総括をしてこなかった。これらが党内に不満を醸成した。

　◆政治空白の余裕はない◆
There is no denying that many DPJ lawmakers feel uneasy about Kan's ability--or lack thereof--to manage his own party and make decisions about government policies.
　党運営や政策遂行をめぐる首相の指導力や判断力に、民主党の多くの議員が不安を抱いていることも否定できない。

Take this nation's current economic crisis--including the recent surge in the value of the yen and falling stock prices. The Kan administration has been slow to address these problems. Despite having to campaign for his reelection as DPJ chief, Kan must fulfill his duties to run the country as prime minister.
　最近の円高や株安など、経済危機への対応一つとっても、菅内閣の動きは鈍い。代表選の最中にあっても、首相は国政を預かる責任を果たさなければならない。

Kan must speak clearly

If he hopes to amend the manifesto, the prime minister should reexamine the policies the DPJ-led government has implemented since the party took power, while also clearly showing the public which policies will be changed and which will be kept in place.
　首相は、政権公約の修正を図ろうとするなら、政権交代以降の政策を再点検し、今後、何を変え、何を継続するのかを明確にすることが大事だ。

This also applies to Kan's approach to the consumption tax issue. He should be resolute in stating his opinions about the matter.
　消費税率の引き上げ問題も、右顧左眄(うこさべん)せず、所信を正面から訴えるべきである。

The current DPJ came into being in 2003, when Kan and Ozawa agreed to merge their respective parties, with the aim of toppling the then Liberal Democratic Party-led ruling coalition from power and establishing a DPJ-led administration. In those days, the DPJ was headed by Kan and the defunct Liberal Party by Ozawa.
　現在の民主党は２００３年、当時の菅民主党代表と小沢自由党党首が、政権交代を旗印に、両党を合併して生まれた。

Even since its inauguration, the current DPJ has been described as a "mutual aid society" aimed at ensuring its two constituent parties help each other in elections. The DPJ-LP integration also has been dismissed as a merger that lacks political goals and principles.
　当初から「選挙互助会」とか、「理念なき合併」との指摘があった。

In fact, the DPJ has yet to lay out guiding principles for such fundamental policies as constitutional amendment, national security and reform of the consumption tax.
憲法改正や安保政策、消費税問題など党の基本政策は、今もって確立していない。

The ruling party's inadequacy in this has hindered progress in implementing such key policies.
これが、政権担当政党として政策を進める上の障害になっている。

Kan and Ozawa should lock horns in a debate over their party's basic policies, instead of fearing that their battle in the DPJ leadership race could lead to a rupture in the party or renewed alignment of political parties and groups.
　この際、両氏は、党分裂や政界再編に至る可能性に臆することなく、党の基本政策について徹底した議論を展開すべきだ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 27, 2010)
（2010年8月27日01時23分 読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 27, 2010)
Govt, BOJ should move on yen--now
円高加速　政府・日銀は具体策を急げ（8月26日付・読売社説）

There seem to be no brakes on the rise of the yen as speculators apparently take advantage of the sluggish response of the government and the Bank of Japan to the yen's appreciation.
　政府・日銀の対応の鈍さに投機筋が付け込み、円高に歯止めがかからなくなっている。

The yen is surging, hitting a 15-year high in the 83 yen range against the U.S. dollar on foreign markets Tuesday. There are whispers in the markets that the yen could soon even reach a record high in the 79 yen range versus the dollar.
　２４日の海外市場で、１５年ぶりに１ドル＝８３円台をつけるなど、急ピッチで円が上昇している。市場には、やがて史上最高値の７９円台が視野に入るとの見方もある。

With the yen's surge set to batter the Japanese economy, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped below the 9,000 mark Wednesday to close at the year's low of 8,845.39.
　日本経済への打撃を見越して、東京市場の平均株価は９０００円を割り、２５日の終値は今年最安値の８８４５円となった。

Unless the sharp appreciation of the yen is checked, business sentiment and the willingness of households to spend may cool, stalling the economy.
　円の急騰を止めないと、企業や家計の心理が冷え込み、景気が腰折れしかねない。

The government and the central bank should resolutely act to deal with this worrying situation, and consider intervening in the market to stem the yen's rise.
　政府・日銀は、円高阻止に向け市場介入も選択肢に、断固たる姿勢で臨むべきである。

The recent responses of the government and the Bank of Japan have been missing the mark.
　このところ、政府と日銀の対応は、誤算が続いている。

On Aug. 10, the central bank held off adding measures to expand liquidity. Soon after, the U.S. Federal Reserve Board took additional money-easing steps, triggering the latest rise in the yen.
　今月１０日、日銀は追加の金融緩和を見送ったが、その直後に米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）が追加の緩和策を実施した。それが今回の円急騰につながった。

Talks fall flat

A discussion over the telephone between Prime Minister Naoto Kan and Bank of Japan Gov. Masaaki Shirakawa on Monday, which set tongues wagging that steps would be taken to deal with the yen's rise, ended in just 15 minutes.
　円高対策で注目された菅首相と白川方明日銀総裁の２３日の会談は、１５分間の電話会談に終わった。

Contrary to what policymakers had intended, the talks ended with little substance and led to a further advance of the yen and offloading of stocks as disappointment spread among market players.
内容も乏しかったため、政策当局の狙いに反し、一層の円高と株の失望売りを誘った。

There have been striking inconsistencies in messages sent by Cabinet members to the market.
　閣僚らによる「市場との対話」も、ちぐはぐさが目立つ。

At a hastily arranged press conference Tuesday evening, Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda indicated he would closely watch the market. He failed to offer any concrete response to the situation, which only fueled the yen's rise.
　野田財務相が２４日夕に開いた緊急記者会見は、市場を注視する考えを示しただけで具体策がなく、むしろ円高に拍車をかけた。

On Wednesday, Noda finally hinted the government might intervene in the market, saying, "When necessary, we will take appropriate measures."
　財務相は２５日、「必要な時は適切な対応を取る」と、やっと市場介入の可能性を示唆した。

During meetings with Democratic Party of Japan members of the House of Representatives the same day, Kan said, "We'll respond properly in the not-so-distant future."
菅首相もこの日、民主党衆院議員らとの会合で、「そう遠くない時期にちゃんと対応する」と述べた。

None of this changed the tide in the financial markets.
　だが、いずれも流れを変える材料にならなかった。

The halfhearted response by policymakers probably has speculators believing the government will not take any specific action to stem the yen's rise for the time being.
　これまでの及び腰の姿勢から、「日本政府はまだ動かない」と、投機筋は踏んでいるのだろう。

No time to waste

The government could be keeping an ace up its sleeve, which it will play when the yen stands on the brink of rising above 80 yen to the dollar. But this is no time for the government to be sitting on its hands. We think the government should discuss in earnest the possibility of going it alone in intervening in the currency market.
　政府は、円がさらに上昇し、１ドル＝８０円突破をうかがうまで「奥の手」を温存したい気持ちもあろうが、そろそろ潮時ではないか。日本単独での市場介入を、真剣に検討すべき段階と言えよう。

The United States and European countries embrace the depreciation of their currencies against the yen. But it is difficult to put a finger on why only the yen is rising against other major currencies, despite the fact that Japan is plagued by deflation and sluggish growth.
　米欧は自国通貨安を容認しているが、デフレと成長鈍化に悩む日本の円が独歩高なのは説明がつかない。

Japan will probably not be strongly criticized by other nations even if it moves to correct the yen's excessive appreciation.
日本が円高修正に動いても海外から強い批判は受けまい。

The Bank of Japan is reportedly considering taking additional money easing measures ahead of the next Monetary Policy Meeting set for early September. We hope the central bank will both check the yen's rise and stimulate the economy.
　日銀も、９月上旬の金融政策決定会合に向け、追加金融緩和の検討に入ったという。円高阻止、景気浮揚の両面で期待したい。

Depending on market developments, the central bank should promptly ease the money supply by holding an extraordinary meeting, rather than wait until the regular policy meeting.
　市場動向によっては、定例会合を待たずに臨時会合を開き、金融緩和を急ぐべきである。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 26, 2010)
（2010年8月26日01時03分 読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 26, 2010)
English necessary to cope with globalization
企業の国際化　英語が社内公用語となる時代（8月25日付・読売社説）

The United Nations has six specified official languages: English, French, Russian, Chinese, Spanish and Arabic; but in the world of business, English has effectively established itself as the common language.
　国連では英語、仏語、ロシア語、中国語、スペイン語、アラビア語の６言語が公用語として定められている。

　しかし、ビジネスの世界に限って言えば、英語が事実上の共通語としての地位を既に確立している。


Recently, some Japanese firms have decided to make English their official language.
　日本では、英語を社内共通言語とする企業が相次いでいる。

Internet company Rakuten Inc. announced it will adopt English as its official language by the end of 2012.
　インターネットサービス大手の楽天は、２０１２年中に、英語を「社内公用語」にするという。

Fast Retailing Co., operator of Uniqlo, the nation's largest clothing chain, and with several outlets around the world, also announced a policy of using English at meetings where non-Japanese staff are present.
　世界各地にユニクロの店舗を展開しているファーストリテイリングも、外国人社員を交えた会議は原則英語で統一する計画だ。

Both companies are aggressively expanding their global operations by increasing overseas bases and taking other steps. They are also reportedly planning to drastically increase their number of non-Japanese employees.
　両社とも、海外拠点を増やすなど、国際事業を積極的に展開している。外国人社員の採用も大幅に増やしていくという。

Such moves are vital to make best use of a workforce with diverse mother tongues and enable smooth communication.
　様々な言語を母語とする社員の能力を引き出し、コミュニケーションを円滑にするためにも、そのような措置は避けて通れまい。

English ability will be an important attribute for employees of global firms so they can share the latest information instantly through e-mail and efficiently take part in negotiations with clients.
　電子メールで取得した世界の最新情報を社員が瞬時に共有し、商談をスピーディーに進めていく上でも、社員の英語力は重要だ。

===

Adapt to a changing world

As society becomes more globalized, Japanese companies must respond to the changing world by using English as their official language. Such efforts are needed to meet the needs of the times.
　グローバル化が進む中で、日本企業が必要に応じて英語を社内の共通言語とするのは、時代の要請と受け止めるべきだ。

Rakuten said it will ask Japanese employees to use English when communicating about work-related matters.
　楽天の場合は、日本人社員同士のビジネス上のやりとりも、すべて英語にするという。

At a press conference earlier this month to release its midterm financial report, Rakuten President Hiroshi Mikitani spoke in English to reporters and analysts from around the globe. Simultaneous interpretation was provided.
　今月開かれた楽天の決算会見でも、国内外の記者やアナリストに対し英語で説明が行われ、同時通訳が付けられた。

The company is making a thorough effort to promote the use of English inside the company, with even its cafeteria menu written in English.
さらに、社員食堂のメニューまでが、英語で表示されるほどの徹底ぶりである。

===

A wake-up call

However, some people have criticized the language policies as going too far, saying, "It's absurd to force people working in Japan to use English."
　「日本国内で英語使用を強いるなんて」と、“行き過ぎ”を批判する声も上がっている。

It is, of course, necessary to treasure the Japanese language, which represents our sensibility as a people and is the basis of our culture.
　無論、日本人の感性を表し、文化の基本でもある日本語は、大切にしなければならない。

Attempts to make English the official language of a company may seem like an extremely radical idea. But it can be looked at as a kind of "shock therapy," to completely change employees' state of mind.
　ただ、ある意味で極端とも言える「英語公用語化」は、社員の意識改革を徹底させる“ショック療法”と見ることも出来る。

How much English needs to be used at each firm is debatable, but individual companies should be left to make this decision in consideration of their specific circumstances.
　果たしてどこまで英語を社内言語として導入すべきかは、それぞれの企業が、状況に応じて判断していくべき事柄だろう。

Apart from Rakuten and Fast Retailing, more than a few companies use English at board meetings and other occasions to cope with the growing diversity of their board members.
　楽天やユニクロ以外でも、役員の国籍の多様化に伴い、役員会などで英語を使用する日本企業は少なくない。

Companies trying to access the global market likely have no choice but to introduce English, or some other foreign tongue, as an official language.
　国際展開する企業は、今後ますます、英語などの外国語を企業の共通言語として導入していかざるを得なくなるのではないか。

Rakuten's moves to make English its official language is symbolic of the changing environment Japanese companies face.
　楽天の英語公用語化は、日本企業を取り巻く環境の変化を示す象徴的な出来事だ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 25, 2010)
（2010年8月25日01時31分 読売新聞）