英字新聞
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The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 16, 2011)
Govt, TEPCO must share compensation burdens
原発事故賠償　国と東電が分担して救済を（4月15日付・読売社説）

There is no sign yet of when the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant in Fukushima Prefecture will be brought under control. Compensation for damages stemming from the accident is bound to be tremendous.
　東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故は依然、収束のめどが立たない。被害に対する賠償は巨額となろう。

Under the current system, TEPCO in principle bears the entire responsibility for paying damages, but the private firm's resources are finite. Consequently, the government must help ensure that people who suffered as a result of the crisis are fully and fairly compensated.
　現行制度では、東電が基本的に賠償責任を負うが、民間企業としての限界もある。最終的には政府が責任を持って被害救済にあたるべきだ。

The government has established a headquarters to deal with economic damage due to the nuclear power plant crisis, with all Cabinet ministers as members. It has also set up a dispute reconciliation committee for such damage compensation, an expert panel assigned to draft compensation guidelines. We hope the government will come up with concrete measures on the issue.
　政府は、全閣僚による原発事故の「経済被害対応本部」と、賠償に当たっての指針を作る有識者の「原子力損害賠償紛争審査会」を設けた。早急に具体的な対策作りを進めてもらいたい。

===

Huge compensation needed

TEPCO plans to provide provisional compensation payments as early as this month, of 1 million yen per household to evacuated families and those living in zones where people have been advised to keep indoors. Many such people are facing financial difficulties in everyday life as a result of their hasty evacuations. We hope TEPCO will make the payments as soon as possible.
　東電は月内にも、避難した世帯などへ、１００万円ずつ賠償金を仮払いする方針だ。急な避難で生活資金に困っている人も多い。東電は、実施を急いでほしい。

After the provisional payments, work toward realizing full-fledged compensation, such as calculating an appropriate sum for each household, should be treated as an urgent task.
　仮払いの後には、被害者ごとの賠償額を算定するなど、本格的賠償に向けた取り組みが急務だ。

In the case of the 1999 criticality accident at JCO Co.'s nuclear fuel conversion facility in Tokaimura, Ibaraki Prefecture, 150 people evacuated for three days, resulting in total compensation of 15 billion yen for business and personal damages.
　茨城県東海村の核燃料加工施設で、１９９９年に起きた臨界事故では、１５０人が３日間避難し、賠償額は計１５０億円だった。

The number of evacuees concerned this time is far greater, currently estimated at about 80,000, and is expected to increase further. Damage to farms and fisheries caused by radioactive substances is also expanding and serious.
　今回の避難者は約８万人とケタ違いで、さらに増えそうだ。放射性物質による農業、漁業の被害も深刻化している。

The Law on Compensation for Nuclear Damage stipulates that the state will pay up to 120 billion yen per nuclear power plant in the case of an accident caused by an earthquake or tsunami. That is probably far short of the amount necessary this time.
　原子力損害賠償法では、地震や津波による原発事故は、国が発電所１か所ごとに、最大１２００億円補償することになっているが、とても足りまい。

But the law also stipulates that, if the damage is caused by "an abnormally large natural disaster," the central government will shoulder the entire cost of compensation.
However, the government and TEPCO have different views on the meaning of "an abnormally large natural disaster," making a settlement of the issue likely to take considerable time.
　原因が「異常に巨大な天災地変」とされた場合には、国が全面的に負担するとの規定もあるが、「天災地変」の解釈を巡って国と東電の見解は異なっており、決着がつくまで時間がかかりそうだ。

===

Follow basic principle

To accelerate the work of extending compensation to evacuated residents, it would be appropriate to follow the basic principle of the law: TEPCO accepts a certain degree of burden and the central government assists by paying the rest.
　被害者救済を急ぐには、東電が一定の負担を受け入れ、それ以上は国が支援するという、原賠法の原則による解決が妥当だろう。

In that case, an important point will be how to decide the amount of compensation to be shouldered by TEPCO. If the company's financial strength is so depleted that it has difficulty maintaining service and is unable to invest in programs to beef up its power supply capacity, it could lead to serious problems in the future.
　その場合、東電の負担額をどう決めるかが焦点となる。東電が経営的に追い込まれ、財務力が低下して電力供給力の増強などの投資に支障が出るようでは、将来に禍根を残す。

While taking necessary steps on one hand, such as clarifying TEPCO's degree of corporate responsibility for failing to prevent the accident, the government has to decide on a compensation amount that would leave the utility firm solvent.
　東電の経営責任の明確化など必要な措置を講じつつ、支払い能力の範囲内で決めるべきである。

Recently a new compensation plan surfaced. According to the plan, in addition to burdens to be paid by TEPCO, other power companies will offer financial contributions in a mutual aid system, according to the number of nuclear reactors each company possesses.
　ここに来て、新たな賠償案も浮上した。東電の負担に加え、他の電力会社も原発の保有数に応じて資金を出す、というものだ。

The Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant crisis is a serious problem, not only for TEPCO but for the entire power industry. To prepare for an emergency, it may be better for the industry to adopt a mechanism such as the mutual aid system, under which the companies help each other.
　福島第一原発の事故は、電力業界全体にとって深刻な問題だ。万が一に備え、電力各社が助け合う「共済制度」のような仕組みがあっていいのではないか。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 15, 2011)
（2011年4月15日01時19分 読売新聞）

タイはお正月の真っ最中。
今年は飲酒運転で例年以上に多くの人々が命を落としている。
昨夜はソレントラストランで夕食の後、そのままローマホテルに宿泊した。（タクシーも休みだった＾＾）
久しぶりのモーニングバフェー（ビュッフェ形式の朝食）に娘たちは大喜び。
英字新聞を発行するために帰宅したところ、タイのアピシット首相が日本を支援するために緊急支援予算を組んだという記事に遭遇、感動した。
アピシット首相は震災直後にも日本にガスタービン発電設備を貸与してくれている。
タイは人口６０００万人でそのうち５０００万人が農業に従事している。
税金を納めることができている人はわずか１５００人程度だと聞く。
それでタイは税収面では大変厳しい状況。
金額の大小で比較して欲しくない。
純粋にありがたいなって感じました。
（スラチャイ記）

(Mainichi Japan) April 15, 2011
Japan eternally grateful for international support following disaster
社説：世界の支援　はげましを忘れない

Kenji Miyazawa, a poet and author of children's books, was born in Iwate Prefecture in 1896, the year when the Meiji Sanriku earthquake and tsunami hit, and died at the age of 37 in 1933, the year the Showa Sanriku earthquake and tsunami struck.
　岩手出身の詩人・童話作家、宮沢賢治は明治三陸大津波の年（１８９６）に生まれ、昭和三陸大津波の年（１９３３）に３７歳の生涯を閉じた。

Miyazawa loved the Tohoku region and heaped infinite love on his poor and humble countrymen and women.
東北の大地に住む、貧しくつつましい人たちに、限りない愛情を注いだ賢治。

In his masterpiece "Night on the Milky Way Train," Giovanni, the lead character of the book, lowers his head and murmurs, "What should I do for the sake of that person's happiness."
代表作「銀河鉄道の夜」には、主人公の心やさしい少年ジョバンニが「ぼくはそのひとのさいわいのためにいったいどうしたらいいのだろう」と、こうべをたれてつぶやく場面がある。

Many people from around the world have supported Japan since the Great East Japan Earthquake. The U.S. military implemented "Operation Tomodachi," a mission in which 20,000 personnel delivered supplies and engaged in search and rescue efforts. Other foreigners provided materials such as canned food and underwear for people at shelters.
　東日本大震災が起きてから、世界中が日本を支えてくれた。２万人態勢の「トモダチ作戦」で物資輸送、救助・捜索にあたった米軍をはじめ、缶詰や下着など避難生活に必要な物資を送ったり、医療活動などにあたった多くの国。

Foreign governments were not alone in providing support and offered words of encouragement. Kenyan girls sang a song together mourning the victims of the tsunami. Nurse and nursing care candidates in Jakarta donated 140,000 yen out of their own pockets despite their less well-off lives.
涙を流しながら、津波犠牲者を悼む歌を合唱したケニアの少女たち。決して裕福ではない生活の中から１４万円を寄付してくれた、ジャカルタの看護師・介護福祉士候補者のみなさん。

We want to say a big thank you to the numerous tender-hearted Giovannis who sympathized with disaster victims and did all these things for the sake of their happiness. We will not forget your acts of kindness.
遠い異国の被災者のつらさをわがものと受け止め、他者のしあわせを自分のしあわせに置きかえる無数のやさしいジョバンニに、私たちはこう伝えたい。ありがとう、あなたがたの気持ちは忘れません、と。

Foreign residents in Japan also prepared meals and removed debris in the battered areas. Goodwill and consideration beyond national borders and nationalities has encouraged the Japanese who have been absorbed in grief.
　日本に住む外国人も、被災地に行って炊き出しなどのボランティアをしている。震災で悲しみに沈む日本人にとり、国境や国籍を超えた思いやりは大きなはげましだった。

After the big earthquake, the huge tsunami and the nuclear power plant catastrophe, we had been at a loss as to what to do over the series of unmitigated disasters but are now feeling firsthand the bonds of friendship.
大地震と大津波と原発事故。容赦ない災害の連鎖にぼうぜんとなりながらも、私たちは今、世界との絆を感じている。

Japan is not alone. We firmly believe this as we face a long road to reconstruction and revival.
日本は一人じゃない。復興と再生への遠い道のりを前にしながら、そう思う。

Until this recent disaster, Japan had been a provider of support. We are now on the receiving end of support from around the world.
　私たちはこれまで、支援を与える側にいた。その私たちが、支援を受ける側に立った。

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva who mapped out an emergency support budget worth as much as 550 million yen said, "Japan has played an important role in the development of Thailand over the last 50 years. This is an opportunity to return the favor."
約５億５０００万円の緊急支援予算を組んだタイのアピシット首相は「日本はこの５０年間、タイの発展に重要な役割を担ってきた。タイが恩に報いるのはこの機会だ」と語った。

Many countries and international organizations say this is their turn to help Japan, which has long helped them.
多くの国や国際機関が、いままで助けてくれた日本を今度は私たちが助ける番だ、と言ってくれる。

International support, coexistence, co-prosperity, global citizens... we are touched by these words, which we had long just used like a recital. We recognize anew that goodwill beyond national borders is so heart-warming on the receiving side.
　国際支援、共存共栄、地球市民。お題目のように使ってきたこうした言葉が、抽象的ではなく、生き生きとした実感を伴って、私たちの胸に響く。外国から寄せられる善意が、困難な環境にいる人たちにとって、どれほど心温まるものかを、私たちは今さらながらに知った。

Big aftershocks continue and it is not clear as to when the hardship of disaster victims will end. There are no estimates as to when the nuclear accident will be under control.
　大きな余震が続き、震災被災者たちの苦境は、いつ終わるともしれない。原発事故が収束するかどうかもなお、予測がつかない。

It will take a little more time before a fully vibrant Japanese society will re-emerge. But we will come back as a strong and striking nation to respond to the encouragement from the international community and transform ourselves into a nation that can host many visitors from abroad once again.
再び活力あふれる日本社会が戻ってくるまでには、もう少し時間がかかるだろう。だが私たちは、強じんで魅力ある国として、必ず復活する。国際社会からの温かいエールに応えるためにも。世界中からまた、たくさんの人がやってくる国にするためにも。

Japan is not alone. At the same time, it means Japan cannot live alone. We are a nation that is destined to depend on other countries for energy resources and food and live on as a trading nation. A peaceful existence is essential for Japan's survival.
　日本は一人じゃない。それは、同時に、日本は一人では生きられないということでもある。エネルギー資源や食料を海外に依存し、外国と交易しながら生きていくことを、運命づけられた国である。平和な日常は、日本の生存にとって不可欠である。

Accordingly, we want to be a compassionate country -- more than ever considerate of others' pain. There are many people in the world who have lost their jobs and families and live in poverty and suffer from diseases due to unjust external forces such as natural disasters and conflicts.
であればこそ私たちは、他者の痛みに、よりいっそう敏感な国でありたい。自然災害や紛争など、不条理な外部からの力によって仕事や家族や大切な人を失い、貧困や疾病に苦しむ人たちが、世界にはおおぜいいるのだから。

We will place the utmost importance on the opening of our eyes to the world and the protection of individual dignity. That is the path we will take to show our appreciation for the support from the international community during this devastating disaster.
　外に目を開き、この地球に住む一人一人の人間の尊厳を守ることを何よりも大切にする－－。それが、震災でいただいた世界の支援に、私たちが応える道ではないだろうか。

毎日新聞　2011年4月15日　東京朝刊

(Mainichi Japan) April 13, 2011
Japan must prevent another Level 7 nuclear plant crisis by all means
社説：レベル７　「最悪」の更新を防げ

The Chernobyl disaster in 1986, which was rated Level 7 on the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES), is still regarded as the world's worst nuclear power plant accident in history. Level 7 crises are accidents that lead to "major releases of radioactive materials."
　世界の原発史上最悪の事故は８６年に旧ソ連で起きたチェルノブイリ原発事故と考えられてきた。国際評価尺度（ＩＮＥＳ）では、「放射性物質の重大な外部放出」を伴うレベル７と評価されている。

Just recently, the government has raised the level of the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant that was hit hard by a massive tsunami generated by the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake to Level 7 on the INES.
　政府は、東京電力福島第１原発で続いている事故もまた、レベル７に相当すると認めた。

The decision will not cause any change in the work underway to place the crippled nuclear plant under control. Now, there is no choice but to take all possible measures to cool down the cores of the affected reactors.
　これによって事故収束に向けた作業が変わるわけではない。今は安定した冷却に向け、あらゆる対策をとっていくしか選択肢はない。

Still, questions remain as to why the crisis level was raised at this time. It would be a problem if it reflects the government's underestimation of the seriousness of the crisis and reluctance to fully release information on the accident.
　しかし、なぜ今ごろになって評価を引き上げたのか、疑問は残る。事故に対する認識の甘さや、情報公開への及び腰な態度を反映してのことなら、問題だ。

The government raised the crisis level of the Fukushima nuclear accident from 4 to 5 on March 18. By that time, explosions and fires had occurred near the affected reactors one after another. It was obvious that a considerable amount of radioactive substances had been leaking from the reactors, judging from the levels of radiation around the plant.
　政府は福島原発の事故を３月１８日にレベル４から５に引き上げている。この時すでに、原子炉周辺では次々と爆発や火災が起きていた。周囲の放射線レベルを見ても、かなりの量の放射性物質が放出されているのは明らかだった。

Nevertheless, an estimation of the total amount of radiation leaked from the plant, based on which the crisis level was rated 7, had not been released until recently. The government explained that it took a long time to increase the accuracy of the data. However, it will lose the public's confidence if it had been aware that the accident should be rated Level 7 but delayed the announcement by saying it was still analyzing figures.
　ところが、レベル７の判断材料となる放出総量の試算はなかなか公開されなかった。精度を上げるのに時間がかかったというのが政府の説明だが、レベル７を認識しつつ、毎日「試算中」と答えるにとどまったとすれば信頼を損なう。

The government was also slow in releasing the cumulative radiation levels, based on which evacuation plans are worked out. The data, which is indispensable in ensuring the safety of residents near the plant, must be transparent and released promptly.
　計画避難の判断基準となる積算線量の公開にも、もたつきが見られた。積算線量は住民の安全を守るために不可欠なデータで、情報公開に不透明さや遅れがあってはならない。

The government has also emphasized the differences between the Fukushima plant accident and the Chernobyl crisis. It is true that the Fukushima accident is different from Chernobyl in which massive levels of radiation were released in a short period of time and that some people died of acute radiation exposure. The amount of radiation that has leaked from the Fukushima plant is estimated at one-tenth of that which leaked from the Chernobyl plant.
　政府は、チェルノブイリと福島原発の事故の違いも強調している。確かに、放射性物質が一時に大量放出され、被ばくによる急性放射線障害で死者が出たチェルノブイリとは状況が異なる。これまでのところ放出量も１０分の１と見積もられている。

At the same time, the Fukushima crisis is unprecedented in that four of its reactors simultaneously became out of control. Slow but constant radiation leaks from the plant have confused local residents. No one can tell how long the crisis will continue or whether it will develop into a more serious catastrophe.
　一方で、福島原発では４基が一度に制御不能に陥るという前代未聞の事態が起きた。だらだら続く放出は、周辺住民を翻弄（ほんろう）している。それがいつまで続くのか、もっと深刻な事態が起きるのか。予測はつかない。

Therefore, Japan is required by the international community to reconfirm the seriousness of the Fukushima nuclear plant crisis and respond to it rather than compare the degree of the accident with that of the Chernobyl crisis. Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) that operates the crippled Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant as well as the government should reflect on their overly optimistic thinking that an accident like the Chernobyl crisis would never happen in Japan, which led to the serious situation at the Fukushima plant.
　そう考えると、事故の程度を比較するより、改めて福島原発の深刻さを受け止め、対処することが国際的にも求められる。日本ではチェルノブイリのような事故は起こり得ないと考えた東電や政府の甘さが過酷な事故につながったことも再確認すべきだ。

Powerful aftershocks following the March 11 earthquake have been occurring in not only Fukushima Prefecture but also many other areas. The crisis has illustrated the vulnerability of nuclear power plants -- they tend to lose external electric power sources necessary to cool down the reactor cores if hit by powerful temblors. It is also obvious that some of the nuclear power plants across the country face risks of being paralyzed by powerful quakes and ensuing tsunami.
　福島だけでなく各地で大きな余震が続いている。地震で外部電源が失われやすいという原発施設の弱点も浮き彫りになった。全国の原発の中に巨大地震や津波のリスクを抱えているものがあることも明らかだ。

While working to place the plant under control, the government and power suppliers must inspect nuclear power plants across the country and take measures to prevent major earthquakes and tsunami from causing major crises at these facilities. Another Level 7 nuclear power plant catastrophe must be prevented by all means.
　福島の事態収拾とは別に点検と対策を急ぐべきだ。レベル７をもうひとつ抱えるような事態は、決して引き起こしてはならない。

毎日新聞　2011年4月13日　東京朝刊

(Mainichi Japan) April 12, 2011
Politicians must put aside differences, join hands to overcome disaster
社説：政治の１カ月　責任感がなお乏しい

April 11 marked one month since a massive earthquake and tsunami devastated northeastern Japan, claiming thousands of lives. The administration of Prime Minister Naoto Kan remains in a difficult position, burdened with the tasks of supporting and restoring disaster-hit areas, while trying to overcome the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO)'s Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant.
　東日本大震災の発生から１１日で１カ月となる。被災地の支援・復興と東京電力福島第１原発の危機回避。同時進行の対応を求められる菅直人政権にとって依然として苦しい状況が続く。

At the same time, the presence of the Diet in the crisis has been weak. Now is the time for the ruling and opposition parties to jointly exercise their wisdom and utilize the power of politics.
一方で国会の影も薄いままだ。政治の力をどう結集するか。与野党は改めて知恵を出し合う時だ。

Looking back on the month since the earthquake and tsunami, it is lamentable that the initial response to the crisis at the nuclear power plant was so slow.
　１カ月を振り返り、今さらながらに悔やまれるのは福島第１原発の「複合事故」に対する初動の遅れだ。

Why, for example, didn't officials quickly open vents to release pressure in the nuclear reactor containment vessels?
例えば原子炉格納容器の弁を開けて圧力を下げる「ベント」に、なぜもっと早く踏み切れなかったのか。

The Mainichi and other media outlets have been probing the handling of the crisis, and it seems that there was a lack of mutual understanding between the government and TEPCO. In fact there was even a degree of mistrust -- a factor that no doubt hampered the response to the disaster.
毎日新聞をはじめ既に検証を試みているが、政府と東京電力との間に意思疎通がなく、逆に不信感さえ生んで、その後の対応にも悪影響を及ぼしたのは確かだろう。

Naturally, top priority must now be given to bringing the crisis under control as soon as possible. People in Japan and across the world are closely watching the handling of the crisis, and the government must conduct its own investigation to flush out any problems.
　もちろん今は原発危機を一刻も早く回避するのが最優先だが、今回の原発事故対応には国民は当然のこと、世界中が注視している。政府自身が詳細に検証し、問題点を洗い出すのが今後の大きな課題となる。

Still, government bureaucrats have been complaining that information isn't being shared and that it is unclear where reports should be filed. These issues remain a point of concern.
　１カ月が経過するというのに、なお懸念されるのは各府省の官僚側から「情報が共有されていない」「誰に報告したらいいか分からない」などの不満が漏れていることだ。

Since the March 11 earthquake, more than 20 headquarters, councils and affiliated teams have been set up to boost the response by the Prime Minister's Office to the disaster.
　大震災後、官邸の態勢強化のため設置された「本部」や「会議」は傘下のチームも含めると２０を超える。

Administrative vice ministers from all government ministries have also joined a liaison council helping government agencies communicate on support measures for people affected by the disaster.
被災者生活支援各府省連絡会議には全府省の事務次官も集めた。

But the chain of command remains unclear -- an issue that is said to have caused confusion.
ところが指揮系統が不明確で混乱の要因となっているという。

The prime minister apparently harbors his own sense of distrust toward bureaucrats, but leadership involves putting administrative organizations to use.
　首相には官僚に対する不信感もあるようだ。だが、行政組織を使いこなすのも指導力だ。

What Kan needs to do now is clearly state: "I'll leave you to do the things that you can do, but I'll take the final responsibility."
今必要なのは「任せるところは任せる。しかし最後の責任は私が取る」という姿勢をもっと明確にすることだ。

Without such a stance he will not be able to win the public's trust.
それがなければ国民の信頼も得られない。

Opposition parties also have a big role to play.
　野党にも大きな役割が求められている。

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has hinted it will not form a grand coalition government with the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). Instead, the party says, it will aim to become a "responsible opposition party," cooperating on issues that it should combine forces on. However, this has probably left many people with the impression that the LDP is only backing away from the front lines.
自民党は連立政権に加わるのは拒否する考えを示し、協力すべき点は協力する「責任野党」を目指すというが、多くの国民には腰が引けていると映っているのではないか。

The Mainichi has called for the formation of a "recovery Cabinet" with the ruling and opposition parties working in unison to help Japan recover from the disaster. The reason for this is that we believe now is not the time for parties to spend all their efforts engaged in their longstanding political bickering.
　毎日新聞が日本の再生・復興に向け与野党が一致協力する「日本再生内閣」を樹立するよう求めているのは、与野党が昔ながらの政争に明け暮れている場合ではないと考えるからだ。

One comment that recently emerged from political circles was that Kan should have been more humble in soliciting LDP leader Sadakazu Tanigaki's cooperation when he asked Tanigaki to join the Cabinet, as this would have altered the situation.
　「菅首相が自民党の谷垣禎一総裁に入閣を求めた際、もっと謙虚に協力をお願いすべきだった。そうすれば様相は変わっていた」という声も聞く。

To look at this another way, we would like to think that there is still room for the DPJ and the LDP to come together.
裏を返せば民主党と自民党が歩み寄る素地はまだ残っていると考えたい。

At the same time, the DPJ and the LDP are not the only two players.
　民主、自民両党だけではない。

We also want the other opposition parties to serious think about how they can create an "All-Japan" disaster response team.
他の野党も「オールジャパン」体制をどう構築するか、真剣に考えてほしい。

Now is the time for Diet members to transform their mindsets.
国会議員こそ発想を大きく転換する時期である。

毎日新聞　2011年4月11日　4時00分

2011/04/10
--The Asahi Shimbun, April 9
EDITORIAL: Japan needs to brace for period of big quakes
Ｍ７級余震―揺れても守れる態勢を

Mother Nature is merciless.
　無情というほかない。

It is still less than a month since the Great East Japan Earthquake devastated so many coastal cities and towns in northeastern Japan.
　東日本大震災からまだひと月もたたない。

The victims of the massive quake and tsunami are struggling to come to terms with their painful losses and trying to take steps toward rebuilding their shattered lives.
人々が喪失と向き合い、生活を取り戻すために動きだそうというときである。

But late Thursday night, the ravaged Tohoku region was rocked by another big quake, which registered an upper 6 on the Japanese intensity scale.
深夜の東北地方を、最大震度６強の揺れが襲った。

The Thursday quake, centered off Miyagi Prefecture, measured magnitude 7.1. This is a powerful earthquake in its own right, the kind that rarely occurs. But it is an aftershock of the March 11 temblor, which measured magnitude 9.0.
　震源は宮城県沖でマグニチュード（Ｍ）７．１。それだけでもめったにない大地震だが、Ｍ９だった３月１１日の本震の余震だという。

Experts say we should brace for aftershocks of magnitude 7 or so for at least half a year after that mega-quake.
　Ｍ９の地震後、少なくとも半年はＭ７級の余震を覚悟する必要があるという専門家の指摘もある。

A period of tension and anxiety will continue for a while.
まだまだ気をやすめることができない状態が続く。

Under such circumstances, what is most important is to ensure people in the disaster areas will not suffer additional damage.
　こうしたなかで、なによりも気を配るべきは、被災地の人々が二重、三重の被害に遭わないようにすることだ。

When the Thursday aftershock hit, lighting equipment at a gymnasium in the city of Sendai that is used as an evacuation center shook wildly and made ominous sounds. Some of the evacuees reportedly feared that the equipment could fall on them.
　余震がきたとき、仙台市内の体育館では、照明が音を立てて揺れ「落ちてきそうで怖かった」と感じる住民がいたという。被災者がどれほど揺れにおびえているかがわかる。

The first thing to do is to take sufficient safety measures at the evacuation centers.
避難所の安全策にまず心を用いたい。

In the quake-stricken areas, various efforts for rebuilding have started. These efforts should be made under the assumption that more big aftershocks could occur.
　被災地では、復興に向けたさまざまな作業が始まっている。これらの仕事も、大きな余震が今後も起こる可能性を織り込みながら進めてほしい。

What is most worrisome is the damage the aftershock has done to nuclear power plants in the region.
　一方、最も気がかりなのは原子力発電所である。

An emergency generator was activated at the Higashidori Nuclear Power Station, operated by Tohoku Electric Power Co., after its external power was knocked out by the aftershock.
　この余震で、東北電力の東通原発では外部電源が切れて、非常用発電機を動かすことになった。

The company's Onagawa Nuclear Power Station lost two of its three external power systems.
女川原発でも一部の外部電源しか使えなくなった。

These facts are frightening, given that the ongoing crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant was triggered by the loss of all power sources.
福島第一原発の事故のきっかけが電源喪失だったことを思い返すと、背筋が寒くなる。

If external power sources are so vulnerable to earthquakes, all the emergency diesel generators at nuclear power plants must be checked now to see if they will kick in immediately. In addition, power generation vehicles should be readied as a second backup to have multiple fail-safes in place.
　外部電源がこれほどもろいなら、非常用発電機がすぐ働くかどうかを改めて確かめ、それもだめなときは電源車を使うという多重の態勢を万全にする必要がある。

The disastrous failure at the Fukushima No. 1 plant must never be repeated again.
　「福島第一」の失敗を、絶対に再現してはならない。

Nuclear power plants in the Tohoku region have been shaken repeatedly by the March 11 quake and its aftershocks. We fear that some parts of them may have been weakened. They all should be checked for safety.
　東北地方の原発は、本震や余震で何度も揺すられてきた。弱くなっているところがないか心配だ。点検を急ぐべきだ。

A mega-quake that occurs at the boundaries of sea-floor plates, like the one that hit northeastern Japan on March 11, could be followed by another giant quake that is too big to be categorized as an aftershock.
　３月１１日の本震のように海底のプレート（岩板）境界で起こる巨大地震は、余震の域を超えた大地震も伴うことがある。

For instance, two years after the 1944 Tonankai earthquake, with an estimated magnitude of 7.9, struck off the city of Owase, Mie Prefecture, the magnitude-8.0 Nankai earthquake took place off nearby Wakayama Prefecture.
　たとえば、１９４４年の東南海地震の２年後には南海地震が起こっている。

The 1854 Ansei Tokai earthquake was followed by the Ansei Nankai earthquake the next day. The two are called twin earthquakes.
１８５４年には安政東海地震の翌日に安政南海地震が続いた。双子地震と呼ばれる。

A massive movement on the boundaries of plates could also stimulate inland active faults.
　さらに、プレート境界の大きな動きが影響して、内陸の活断層が刺激されることもある。

We should assume that the Japanese archipelago is now facing a high risk of major seismic events.
　日本列島は今、地震リスクが高いとみるべきだろう。

Effective measures should be taken to prepare for an earthquake not just in the Tohoku region but also in the rest of the nation.
東北だけでなく全国で、地震への備えを強めたい。

(Mainichi Japan) April 10, 2011
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Don't be afraid to seek professional help
香山リカのココロの万華鏡：無理にがんばらない　／東京

Whenever I speak at lectures, I remind my audience not to hesitate to seek professional assistance when they have problems.
　ときどき講演に出かけることがある。そこでいつも強調するのが、「遠慮なく専門家を頼ってください」ということだ。

At my consultation room, I sometimes see people who tried to endure suffering for a lengthy period of time before they finally decided to receive counseling. In one case, it took nearly two years for a patient with insomnia to seek professional help.
　診察室でもときどき、「不眠になったのは２年前」などと長期間、受診しないでがまんしてきた人に出会う。

"I felt my problem was too small and I should not go to hospital. I was trying to face up to the situation on my own," one patient said.
その人たちは、「これくらいで病院に来てはいけない、自分でなんとかしなくちゃ、と思っていました」と語る。

Actually though, you don't have to push yourself too hard. Feel free to turn to a specialist for advice as soon as you notice something is wrong with you.
　本当は、そんなにがんばる必要はない。「あれ、いつもと違うな」と思った時点で、遠慮なく専門医のところを訪れてよいのだ。

The same holds true for other problems, but a lot of people tend to avoid seeking professional help until the very last minute.
　「ギリギリまでがまんする」というのは、精神科の診察室だけで見られることではない。

I often hear various institutions, such as a law firm specializing in debt problems and a consumer affairs center fighting against scams, say, "They should have come to talk to us much earlier."
借金の相談を得意とする弁護士事務所、悪徳商法の相談を受ける消費者センターなど、どの専門機関でも「もっと早く相談に来てくれればいいのに」という声を聞く。

It seems that a lot of people are feeling hesitant about sharing their problems with experts and believe that they must solve their problems on their own.
相談者は、「私の問題だから、私がなんとかしなきゃ」と思って遠慮しているようだ。

"Some clients said they were worried that we would blame them for their troubles. We would never do that," said a worker at a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with financial difficulties.
「“自分のせいでしょう”と怒られるんじゃないか、と怖がっていた人もいます。そんなはずはないのに……」。生活苦の相談に応じるＮＰＯ法人で、こんな声を聞いたこともある。

Experts and institutions specializing in fields such as welfare, medicine, law, etc. are there to help you when your problems got out of control. So, I have always asked my patients to stop blaming themselves and ask professionals for help.
　しかし、福祉、医療、法律などの専門家や専門機関は、一般の人が自分の力でどうにもできない問題を片づけるためにいるのだ。がまんしたり「私が悪いんだ」と思い込んだりしないで、「なんとかしてくださいよ」と頼ってほしい。私はそう、訴えてきた。

I wonder if the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami are reaching out for help.
　今回の災害の被災者たちは、どうなのだろう。

It's been nearly one month since the disaster, and I wonder if residents in the region have recovered a little peace of mind and begun to seek support from specialized organizations as they struggle to restore their lives.
ひと月近くがたち、少し落ち着いてきた人たちは、今後の生活の再建に向けていろいろな専門機関を利用し始めているのだろうか。

I'm afraid those in areas without essential utilities have no emotional leeway to consult with experts about their future.
ただ、いまだにライフラインも復旧しないところでは、とても専門家に相談する余裕もないかもしれない。

Recently, an increasing number of professional workers, who have realized that merely waiting for clients to visit their office is not helping at all, are proactively meeting with people in need of help as part of their outreach efforts.
　昨今、専門家たちは「オフィスに座っているだけではダメ」と気づき、“御用聞き”のように積極的に人々のあいだに出て行くようになりつつある。これを「アウトリーチ」と呼んでいる。

The demand for "delivery services" by medical and legal experts is expected to increase in areas affected by the disaster.
これから必要になるのは、専門家による被災地での“出前診療所”や“出前法律事務所”などだろう。

I would also like to visit evacuation shelters when I don't have appointments with regular patients.
　私も、日常の診療の合間に、気軽に“出前”に行きたいと思っている。

At the same time, I hope more residents in areas hit by the disaster will tell us what kind of assistance they are looking for.
被災地のみなさんも、ぜひ「こんな出前が必要です」と遠慮せずに声をあげてほしい、と思う。

It goes without saying that those who were not affected by the earthquake should also be more open to contact professional advisors.
　もちろん、被災地以外の人たちも、これからも「自分でなんとかしなきゃ」などと遠慮せずに、気軽に専門家を頼ってほしい。

Now is the time to stop hesitating. (By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
遠慮は無用。古くからある言葉だが、今こそそう言いたい。

毎日新聞　2011年4月5日　地方版