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

2011/09/18
--The Asahi Shimbun, Sept. 17
EDITORIAL: Tax increase plan 1st acid test of Noda's political leadership
復興増税―野田新体制の試金石だ

The government has proposed options for a temporary tax increase to finance measures to rebuild areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
　東日本大震災の復興財源の柱となる臨時増税について、政府が選択肢を示した。

The government Tax Commission came up with three different plans: increasing income and corporate taxes; raising the tobacco tax and some other levies in addition to raising income and corporate taxes; increasing the consumption tax rate. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda then narrowed the choice to two by taking the consumption tax increase off the table.
増税対象として、政府税制調査会が（１）所得税及び法人税（２）この二つにたばこ税なども加える案（３）消費税の３案をまとめ、野田首相が消費税案を退けて２案に絞った。

The government has estimated that about 16 trillion yen of new money will have to be raised over the next five years. The figure doesn't include the 6 trillion yen that has been secured for the second supplementary budget, but includes the amount diverted into financing the extra budget from some revenue sources earmarked for basic pension benefit payouts.
　政府が今後５年で必要と見込む財源は、２回の補正予算で確保した６兆円を除き、補正予算に流用した基礎年金財源分などを加えて１６兆円前後に達する。

The government will first issue special reconstruction bonds. The money needed to pay back the debt will be raised through a combination of the proposed temporary tax increase, spending cuts and sales of state assets and other measures to obtain nontax revenues. The expected increases in national and local taxes will total about 11 trillion yen.
　まずは復興債を発行するが、その返済財源を臨時増税と歳出の見直し、国有財産の売却などで確保する。増税分は国と地方合わせて約１１兆円になる。

We have been urging the government to focus mainly on income and corporate taxes in the tax increase plan. We believe an additional income from a consumption tax increase should be used to pay for social security spending, which is bound to keep growing in coming years. We support Noda's decision.
　私たちは、所得税と法人税を中心に検討するよう主張してきた。消費税は今後、膨張が避けられない社会保障費に充てるべきだと考えるからだ。野田首相の判断を支持したい。

As for the period of the income tax increase, the government's tax panel proposed two options--five years and 10 years. Noda has chosen the 10-year option.
　所得税の増税期間について、政府税調は５年と１０年の２案を示したが、野田首相は「１０年」を指示した。

If an increase in the tobacco tax is not included in the package, tax payments by individual taxpayers will increase by 5.5 percent.
たばこ税の増税を絡めない場合、本来の納税額から５．５％増やすことになる。

Tax payments by companies will grow by 10 percent for three years. The 5-percent corporate tax cut and special tax breaks that were slated to be implemented this fiscal year will be curtailed.
The period was limited to three years in order to prevent the increased tax burden on businesses from causing negative effects on the economy or accelerating the hollowing-out of industries due to a growing trend among companies to shift production overseas.
　法人税では今年度に予定していた５％幅の減税と租税特別措置の縮小を実現した上で、３年間に限って納税額を１０％増しにする。増税期間を短期間にとどめることで、景気への悪影響や空洞化への懸念に配慮した案になった。

Now the debate on the tax increase will move to the tax system council of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan. After the party came to power two years ago, the DPJ abolished the council under its policy of promoting centralized and integrated policymaking at the government. But the Noda administration has revived the panel in response to complaints among party members that they don't have enough opportunities to get involved in the policymaking process.
　議論の舞台は、民主党税制調査会に移る。２年前の政権交代後、政策決定を政府に一元化する方針に従って廃止したが、政策決定にかかわれないという党内の不満を受けて野田政権が復活させた。

There are still many DPJ lawmakers who are opposed to or are skeptical about raising taxes, including executive members of the tax council.
　党内では、税調の役員を含め増税への反対・慎重意見が少なくない。

It is important for the government to make serious efforts to minimize the tax increase.
もちろん、増税額を抑える取り組みは大切だ。

The measures that can be taken to do so are clearly not limited to the cuts in childcare allowances and the suspension of the plan to make expressways toll-free included in the DPJ's policy agreement with the opposition Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito. There must be other ways to trim government spending.
自公両党を加えた３党で合意した子ども手当の見直しや高速道路無料化の見送りにとどまらず、歳出はまだまだ見直せるはずだ。

The government's assets that have been cited as candidates for sale include the government's stakes in Japan Tobacco Inc. and Tokyo Metro Co. The government's asset portfolio should be scrutinized closely to determine other salable assets.
　政府資産の売却では、ＪＴや東京メトロの政府保有株などが候補に挙げられている。ほかにもないか検証したい。

If, however, the government, in a desperate attempt to avoid a big tax increase, tries to sell assets for which the conditions for sales are not good or borrow money from special accounts, it would be adopting a wrong-headed approach to tackling the challenge.
　だが、増税から逃げようとするあまり、売却の条件が整っていない資産に飛びついたり、特別会計から安易に借金したりしては本末転倒である。

The principle that the burden of reconstruction from the disaster should not be shifted to future generations has already been confirmed in the recently enacted basic law for the rebuilding work and the three-party policy agreement among the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito.
　「復興に伴う負担を後の世代に先送りしない」という理念は、すでに成立した復興基本法や民自公の３党合意でも確認されている。

In line with this principle, the government should be straightforward with the public about the need of a tax increase and try to seek public support for the step while making flat-out efforts to eliminate unnecessary expenditures.
政府のムダを徹底的に削る作業を進めつつ、必要な増税は国民に正面から問いかけなければならない。

The tax increase initiative will sorely test the political mettle and prowess of the Noda administration.
　税調を復活させた野田新体制の真価が問われる。

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 17, 2011)
Japanese GPS the next step in space development
日本版ＧＰＳ　宇宙開発の先導役目指したい（9月16日付・読売社説）

The government's Strategy Headquarters for Space Development has finalized a plan to construct a Japanese version of the Global Positioning System.
　日本版の全地球測位システム（ＧＰＳ）を構築する方針を、政府の宇宙開発戦略本部の専門調査会がまとめた。

The envisaged system is expected to stimulate various industries in Japan. The United States, operator of the existing GPS network, welcomes the idea of linking up with a Japanese counterpart from a security point of view. We expect the government to decide the details of the plan quickly, realizing it as the vanguard of Japan's space development.
　これを活用した産業活性化が期待されている。米国も安全保障の観点から日米連携を歓迎している。日本の宇宙開発の先導役となるよう、詰めを急ぎ、実現を目指してもらいたい。

The GPS, which is used in devices such as car navigation systems, analyzes radio waves received from U.S. satellites, using them to calculate the receiver's precise location on Earth. The GPS, originally developed by the U.S. military, covers the whole world.
　カーナビに使われているＧＰＳは、米国の人工衛星からの電波を解析し、地上の位置を割り出している。もとは米軍が開発したもので、全世界をカバーしている。

The envisaged Japanese system would cover mainly the Japanese archipelago and surrounding areas. Four to seven quasi-zenith satellites would be launched for the system, which would fly above Japan and Australia in figure-eight loops.
　日本版ＧＰＳは、日本から豪州までの上空を、８の字形に周回する「準天頂衛星」を４～７基打ち上げて使う。主に日本列島と周辺地域に対象を絞ったものだ。

This system has a few advantages. For instance, since at least one satellite would be above Japan at all times, there should be no blind spots. Also the accuracy of positioning would be improved, with the margin of error reduced to one meter or less.
　常に１基以上が日本の上空に位置することになり、電波の死角がないといった利点がある。位置を割り出す精度が上がり、１メートル単位の測位も可能になるという。

===

GPS for various uses

In the case of the U.S. system, the benefits of space development have been utilized in many aspects of daily life, such as mobile phones. We hope more such benefits will be realized as a result of the establishment of the Japanese system.
　米ＧＰＳは携帯電話をはじめ幅広く活用され、宇宙開発の成果が暮らしに生かされている。日本版の構築で、さらに広げたい。

For instance, the network would be useful in automobile collision-avoidance systems, navigation systems to assist aged or handicapped people and precise management of mechanized fertilization on large farms.
　たとえば、高齢者や障害者の歩行用“カーナビ”や、自動車の衝突警報、大規模農地での精密な施肥管理などに役立ちそうだ。

Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, another possible use of the satellite system for disaster management has been attracting attention. Even if a disaster severs ground communication networks, the satellite system could obtain a broad array of information to assess damage. With the system, it will also become possible to proceed efficiently with the remote-controlled work of cleaning up radioactive contamination at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
　東日本大震災後は、防災への応用も注目されている。地上通信網が途絶しても、広域の被災状況を把握できよう。福島第一原子力発電所事故の放射能汚染でも、遠隔操作による除去作業を効率的に進めることが可能になる。

China and European countries are also working actively on construction of their own GPS networks.
　欧州や中国も、独自のＧＰＳ構築に積極的だ。

The Beidou navigation system, the Chinese version of the GPS, is expected to go into service soon. Japan cannot sit passively by and watch China's moves as it increases its influence in economic and military fields. If the Japanese GPS is promoted in other Asian countries, Japan can enhance its partnerships with them. The system would thus become significant in terms of security.
中国版「北斗」は運用開始が近い。経済、軍事で影響力を拡大しようとする中国の動きは座視できない。日本版ＧＰＳをアジア地域で普及させれば、各国との連携が進み、安全保障上も重要な意義を持つだろう。

===

Problems for space project

However, there are more than a few problems.
　ただ、課題も少なくない。

First, it would cost a huge amount of money. Launching four to seven satellites would cost 170 billion yen to 290 billion yen in total. The government must find a way to give this plan a higher priority than other space projects that are currently deemed equally important.
　巨額の予算を要する。４～７基の衛星打ち上げに１７００億～２９００億円かかる。他の重要な宇宙プロジェクトとの間で優先順位を上げる工夫が必要だ。

Japan's space industry must overcome several hurdles before it is able to manufacture and launch satellites on its own.
　衛星の製造、打ち上げを日本の宇宙産業が担うためには、乗り越えるべき関門がある。

In 1990, Tokyo and Washington agreed to procure commercial satellites by public tender to alleviate trade friction between the two countries.
　日米は１９９０年、貿易摩擦を緩和するため、実用衛星については公開入札することで合意している。

However, if a U.S. company succeeds in accepting orders for quasi-zenith satellites to be used in this project, the Japanese space industry will get into a business jam. The government must ask the United States to consider this project as an exception to the 1990 agreement.
だが、準天頂衛星を米企業に受注されては、日本の宇宙産業は窮地に陥ってしまう。米国には例外扱いを求めねばならない。

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has expressed his ambitions for space development. He should exercise his leadership to solve this difficult problem.
　野田首相は、宇宙開発への意欲を示している。難題の解決にリーダーシップを発揮すべきだ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 16, 2011)
（2011年9月16日01時14分 読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 16, 2011)
Ruling, opposition parties need to cooperate in Diet
代表質問　与野党協調の国会へ転換せよ（9月15日付・読売社説）

The public is watching the ruling and opposition parties closely, to see whether they can do away with unproductive confrontation and cooperate with each other.
　与野党が不毛な対立を脱し、協力し合えるかどうかが問われている。

Representatives of political parties have begun to ask questions about the policy speech Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda delivered at the Diet.
　野田首相の所信表明演説に対する各党の代表質問が始まった。

Noda has been responding in a detached tone, similar to what he used when delivering his policy speech. Perhaps having learned from the bad example of former Prime Minister Naoto Kan, Noda did not get riled up at provocative questions. We understand his humble attitude in requesting cooperation from opposition parties.
　首相の答弁は、所信表明演説と同様、淡々とした語り口だった。菅前首相を反面教師としたのだろう。挑発的な質問にムキになることもなかった。低姿勢で野党に協力を求めるのは理解できる。

Concerning the three-party policy agreement between the Democratic Party of Japan, Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki said, "I can't help but have serious doubts whether the agreement will be kept."
　自民党の谷垣総裁は、民主党の政権公約（マニフェスト）見直しを前提とする民主、自民、公明の３党合意について、「守られるかどうか、大きな危惧を抱かざるを得ない」と指摘した。

A key premise of the agreement was a review of the DPJ's 2009 House of Representatives election manifesto.
Tanigaki made this statement because Noda prioritized intraparty conciliation and appointed people who are reluctant to review the manifesto to key posts in the Cabinet and the DPJ.
　首相が党内融和を優先し、内閣や党人事でマニフェスト見直し慎重派も要職に起用したからだ。

===

3-party policy agreement

Noda emphasized again he would implement policies based on the three-party agreement. Concerning a review of the child-rearing allowance system in particular, Noda said, "I hope the three parties will sufficiently discuss the matter to work out a new system by the end of the year."
His remark appears to indicate that he respects the process of cooperation among the three parties.
　首相は「政策は３党合意を踏まえて進めていく」と改めて強調した。特に、子ども手当の見直しについて、「３党で十分に協議し、年末までに制度をまとめてほしい」と述べたのは、民自公の協調路線を重視する意向の表れだ。

However, concerning the resignation of Yoshio Hachiro as economy, trade and industry minister, Noda only said, "It is quite regrettable" and did not talk about his own responsibility in appointing Hachiro.
　だが、鉢呂吉雄前経済産業相の辞任に関して、首相は「誠に残念だ」と述べるにとどめ、自らの任命責任には言及しなかった。

Noda previously said he put "the right people in the right posts," and we regret he did not explain his choices.
首相が言う「適材適所」について説明がなかったことも残念だ。

Tanigaki criticized the ruling parties for the fact that the current extraordinary Diet session will last only four days, saying they were "taking Diet business extremely lightly."
　与党が臨時国会の会期をわずか４日間にしたことについて、谷垣氏は「国会軽視も甚だしい」と批判した。

If Noda attaches importance to "thorough debate and dialogue" with opposition parties, he must acquiesce to all seven opposition parties' request that the Diet session be extended.
首相は野党との「徹底的な議論と対話」を重視するなら、野党７党がそろって求める会期延長に応じるべきではないか。

===

Realistic stance from Noda

Noda generally took a realistic stance toward immediate policy issues.
　当面の政策課題に関しては、首相の現実的な姿勢が目立った。

For instance, he denied "a dichotomy between zero nuclear power and promotion" of nuclear power generation, and sought to achieve the best combination of safe, stable energy sources.
　例えば、原子力発電では「脱原発と推進という二項対立」を否定し、「安心できるエネルギーのベストミックス」を目指すとした。

He clearly stated the government will restart operations at nuclear power stations following regular inspections, once their safety has been thoroughly verified and confirmed.
定期検査後の再稼働も言明した。

It is a matter of course for him not to continue Kan's irresponsible "zero nuclear power" initiative.
菅前首相の無責任な「脱原発」路線を継承しないのは当然だ。

On the Trans-Pacific Partnership multinational trade framework, Noda said only, "We will strategically pursue a conclusion of a high-level economic partnership agreement." He must swiftly decide that Japan will participate in negotiations on the TPP.
　環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）については、「高いレベルの経済連携協定の締結を戦略的に追求する」と述べただけだった。ＴＰＰ参加を早急に決断すべきだ。

At this juncture, when the divided Diet has coincided with a national crisis, opposition parties also bear a heavy responsibility.
　ねじれ国会と国難が重なる今、野党が担う責任も重い。

Tanigaki acknowledged recovery and reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake as "a responsibility beyond party boundaries" and declared his party would cooperate fully with the administration.
　谷垣氏は大震災の復旧・復興を「党派を超えた責務」と認め、政権への全面的協力を明言した。

In that case, Tanigaki should participate in discussions between the ruling and opposition sides aimed at early passage of a third supplementary budget for this fiscal year to finance full-fledged restoration programs.
　そう言う以上は、本格的な復興のための第３次補正予算案の早期成立に向け、与野党協議に応じるのが筋である。

The LDP is scheduled to shuffle its lineup of major party posts shortly. The party needs to have an appropriate executive lineup to conduct discussions with the DPJ.
　自民党は近く、執行部人事を予定している。与党との協議を進めるため、それにふさわしい体制を整える必要がある。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 15, 2011)
（2011年9月15日01時13分 読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 15, 2011)
To rebuild Tohoku, first rebuild trust
所信表明演説　日本再生へ具体的な行動を（9月14日付・読売社説）

The Democratic Party of Japan-led administration and the nation's politics as a whole are now on the very edge. It is essential for the government to do its utmost to carry out important policies with urgency and seriousness.
　日本の政治も民主党政権も今、瀬戸際にある。その危機感を持ち、重要政策の実現に全力を挙げることが肝要だ。

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda delivered his first policy speech at the Diet since taking office.
　野田首相が就任後初の所信表明演説を行った。

The stagnant state of Japanese politics has come under scrutiny by other countries. Noda said the trust that Japan has accumulated over the years is now at risk. He also said the government and the Diet should fulfill their roles "to restore hope and pride to Japan."
　政治の停滞に対する海外の視線は厳しい。これまで積み上げてきた「国家の信用」が危機にひんしている。「希望と誇りある日本を再生する」ため、政府と国会は自らの役割を果たすべきだ――。

We have no objection to Noda's view of the current situation. The problem is how to take concrete action to restore trust and revitalize the nation.
　そうした首相の現状認識に異論はない。問題は、「国家の信用」を回復し、日本を再生するための具体的な行動をどう取るかだ。

In his policy speech, Noda said restoration of social infrastructure and reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake are among his Cabinet's top priorities, and emphasized that the government will speed up the compilation of a third supplementary budget.
　首相は演説で、東日本大震災からの復旧・復興を内閣の「最優先課題」と位置づけ、第３次補正予算編成を急ぐ考えを強調した。

Six months have passed since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, but restoration of social infrastructure and reconstruction of areas affected by the disaster have been significantly delayed. This is because politicians failed to exercise leadership and bureaucrats simply put the problem off.
　震災から半年間、復旧・復興は大幅に遅れている。政治の指導力が発揮されず、官僚も問題先送りの姿勢に終始したためだ。

===

Show respect for bureaucrats

An urgent task is to rebuild the relationship between politicians and bureaucrats. Noda needs to thoroughly instill among ministers, senior vice ministers and parliamentary secretaries a mind-set in which politicians and bureaucrats work on tasks together. The Noda administration can be praised for its decision to reinstate administrative vice ministers' meetings, which is a positive step.
　政官関係の立て直しが急務だ。首相は、政治家と官僚が一体で課題に取り組むという発想を、各府省の閣僚ら政務三役に徹底させる必要がある。事務次官会議を事実上復活させたのは、前向きな一歩と評価できる。

It is important for politicians to set policy priorities themselves and take responsibility for the results, but it is also essential for them to humbly listen to bureaucrats' technical opinions, to motivate them and to elicit and utilize their abilities to the maximum extent.
　政治家が自ら政策の優先順位を判断し、結果に責任を持つ一方、官僚の専門的意見に謙虚に耳を傾け、その能力と意欲を最大限引き出し、活用することが重要だ。

Noda also announced in his policy speech that the government will establish a new body tentatively called the "national strategy council" that will gather wisdom from academia, government and the private sector to achieve economic growth and restore fiscal soundness. He will charge the council with drawing up by the end of this year a strategy to revitalize Japan.
　首相はまた、経済成長と財政健全化の両立に向け、産官学の英知を集めた「国家戦略会議」（仮称）を創設し、年内に日本再生の戦略を策定する方針を表明した。

It is proper and appropriate for the government to cooperate with the business sector to effectively deal with the hollowing-out of industry and the yen's surge after the March 11 disaster.
　震災後の産業空洞化や円高に効果的に対処するため、経済界と緊密に連携するのは当然だ。

===

Undo damage done by Kan

Economic policy went astray under the administration of former Prime Minister Naoto Kan due to his impromptu responses, and trust between the government and business groups was damaged. It is vital for Japan to work as one to overcome the current national crisis.
　菅政権では、前首相の場当たり的対応で経済政策が迷走し、経済団体との信頼関係も損なわれた。国家の危機克服には、オールジャパンの取り組みが欠かせない。

Noda also announced that the government will submit to the ordinary Diet session next year bills related to integrated social security and tax reforms that include a consumption tax rate hike. He called for discussions between the ruling and opposition parties on the matter as quickly as possible.
　野田首相は演説で、消費税率引き上げを伴う社会保障と税の一体改革の関連法案を来年の通常国会に提出する方針を表明し、与野党協議の早期開催を呼びかけた。

To pass those bills under the current divided Diet, it is imperative for the government and ruling parties to approach discussions with the opposition with "seishin seii" (sincere spirit and just intent), a Japanese term used by Noda.
　衆参ねじれ国会で法案を成立させるには、政府・与党が、首相の言う「正心誠意」の精神で野党と話し合うことが不可欠だ。

Yet, the ruling parties decided to hold the extraordinary Diet session for a mere four days, the better to dodge questioning by the opposition. This is unreasonable. The ruling parties must repair strained ties with the opposition by holding examinations at the Budget Committee during a Diet recess as soon as possible.
　それなのに、野党の追及を避けることばかりを優先し、臨時国会をわずか４日間で閉じるのは、おかしい。できるだけ早期に予算委員会の閉会中審査を行い、野党との関係を修復せねばなるまい。

The Liberal Democratic Party and other opposition parties also should be aware of their responsibility to revitalize Japan as they enter discussions with the ruling parties.
　自民党など野党も、日本再生の責任の一端を担っている自覚を持ち、与野党協議に臨むべきだ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 14, 2011)
（2011年9月14日01時09分 読売新聞）

(Mainichi Japan) September 13, 2011
Children's watchful eyes see though prejudice
火論：幼い目が見ている＝玉木研二
　＜ｋａ－ｒｏｎ＞

There is a traffic light for pedestrians just outside one of the exits at Jimbocho Station on the Tokyo Metro subway system.
　東京都営地下鉄神保町駅のある出口を出ると、狭い道ながら歩行者用信号機が付いている。

Even if no cars are seen nearby, most pedestrians strictly observe the signal because of a nearby signboard that says, "Children are watching your behavior." The notice appears to be effective.
車影が全くなくとも信号を守るのは看板の言葉の力ゆえだろう。これは効く。

　＜子供が見ています＞

It is painful to cover accidents and incidents in which children are victimized.
　子供が巻き込まれた事件事故を取材するほどつらいことはない。

It would be horrifying to imagine what would happen if children saw adults ignore the traffic lights and themselves did the same thing.
この信号無視を幼い目が見てまねしたら、と想像するだけで足はすくむ。

It is important to feel children's watchful eyes in considering the government's slow response to the ongoing crisis at the tsunami-hit Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant, as well as over groundless rumors about radiation contamination and some adults' insensitive behavior, such as the former economy, trade and industry minister's nuclear gaffe, which forced him to step down.
　福島の原発事故災害で後手に回った対応のほか、根拠のない風評や心ない言動の対策を考える時、常に子供の視線を感じ取っていたい。
「放射能をつけたぞ」という趣旨の発言などで引責辞任した前経済産業相の問題では、それを強く感じた。

The minister's remark reminded me of another gaffe during a Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly session in July 1976 when a medical expenses subsidy system for the offspring of hibakusha, or atomic-bombing victims, was up for deliberation.
　この問題は３５年前の東京都議会のある「放言」も想起させた。１９７６年７月、被爆２世への医療費助成制度などを審議していた委員会でのことだ。

A member of the assembly asked the metropolitan government if there was any way to "exterminate" hibakusha, which created a stir in the chamber.
質問に立った中堅議員が「被爆者の絶滅の方法はないか」とただして議場を驚かせた。

A representative from the executive branch of the metropolitan government answered, "We'll continue to work seriously to extend relief to survivors," before closing the session.
都は「今後も援護に取り組んでいきたい」とかわし散会したが、当時の記事によれば、記者が議員に聞くと、こう語った。

In response to questions by reporters, the assembly member said, "If the number of hibakusha continues to increase, it may include those who took over the disease from their parents through heredity or those who falsely reported they are hibakusha," according to news articles at the time.
　「被爆者が今も増える傾向にあるとすれば、遺伝によるものか、虚偽の届け出も含まれているのではないか」

"For now, hibakusha should be allowed to receive treatment but they should be advised through administrative directives to refrain from having children until they have recovered completely," he said. He explained that such a measure would be good for the fiscal health of the nation.
「さしあたって被爆者には治療を続けさせ、完治するまで子供を持たないよう行政指導すべきだ」。その方が財政にかなっているというのだ。

The number of those who held hibakusha certificates actually increased in the 1970s and 1980s after applicants increased over that period. It has been pointed out that hibakusha became less worried about prejudice because they retired from jobs, their children found jobs or married and overall social prejudice against hibakusha had declined.
　被爆者健康手帳取得者が７０年代から８０年代にかけて増えたのは、自らの定年、子供たちの就職や結婚、偏見の軽減など、生活環境の比較的落ち着いた状況が要因の一つではないかといわれている。

I'm the son of a Hiroshima hibakusha and started my career the year before the gaffe at the metropolitan assembly. I was surprised at his remarks, which reminded me that people who thought that way still existed.
　私は広島の被爆者の子供で、この「放言」の前年に就職したが、もはやこのような発想をする人がいようとは思わなかった。いたのである。

Hiroshima and Nagasaki hibakusha had been forced to live in a gutter between longstanding information control during the U.S.-led post-war occupation and social prejudice.
　広島、長崎の被爆者は、戦後占領期の長い情報統制と偏見の谷間に放置された。

There had been no organized campaign demanding relief for hibakusha until anti-atomic and hydrogen bomb movements began after crewmembers of the tuna fishing boat Daigo Fukuryu Maru (Lucky Dragon No. 5) were exposed to nuclear fallout from U.S. hydrogen bomb testing.
５４年に核実験の「死の灰」を浴びた第五福竜丸事件で原水爆禁止運動が始まるまで、組織化されることはなかった。

There was deep-rooted prejudice that radiation could be infectious. Many hibakusha have been denied entry into public baths because of that prejudice.
　「うつる」「伝染する」という偏見は根強かった。例えば銭湯で入浴を断られたという体験は、かつて多くの被爆者が持っていた。

The former economy, trade and industry minister apparently did not use the phrase "radiation infection" to that effect. However, his insensitive gaffe has reminded many people of their sad experiences, even if they do not speak out about that.
　前経産相が「うつる」などという言葉をそういう意味で理解して使ったとは思わない。だが、その「失言」から伝わる無神経さに、いや応なく悲痛な思い出や、底なしの闇がのぞいたような気持ちをよみがえらせる人々がいる。声を上げずとも。

Simply replacing the minister will not lead to any fundamental solution to the issue. The mental capacity of politicians is being tested.
　閣僚ポストの異動で解決することではない。何が一番必要か。あえていえば「想像力」だろう。

(By Kenji Tamaki, Expert Senior Writer)
（専門編集委員）

毎日新聞　2011年9月13日　東京朝刊

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 13, 2011)
His insensitive remarks meant Hachiro had to go
鉢呂経産相　無神経発言での辞任は当然だ（9月11日付・読売社説）

The administration of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda started with high approval ratings, only to suffer an immediate setback.
　高い支持率で船出した野田政権が、いきなりつまずいた。

Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yoshio Hachiro resigned Saturday over careless remarks he made on his recent inspection tour to the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant and the surrounding area.
　鉢呂吉雄経済産業相が１０日、福島県の原子力発電所視察を巡る失言の責任を取って辞任した。

While the nuclear crisis has yet to be controlled, Hachiro repeatedly made remarks that appeared to ride roughshod over the feelings of those affected. His qualification as the minister in charge of nuclear power policy was cast into doubt.
　原発事故がまだ収束しない中、原子力政策の担当閣僚が、被災者たちの感情を踏みにじるような発言を繰り返すようでは、資質が疑われる。

A chorus of calls for his resignation arose from members of the ruling parties plus members of opposition parties.
野党側からも鉢呂氏の辞任を求める声が強まっていた。

His resignation is quite reasonable. Noda himself shares in the blame for having appointed Hachiro as a Cabinet member.
　辞任は当然だ。野田首相の任命責任も問われよう。

===

'Here's some radiation'

Accompanying Noda, Hachiro made an inspection tour to the nuclear plant in question and neighboring municipalities Thursday.
　鉢呂氏は８日、野田首相に同行し、東京電力福島第一原発や周辺自治体を視察した。

After he returned from the tour and was questioned by a reporter at a housing facility for Diet members, Hachiro reportedly gestured as if to press the sleeve of his jacket against the reporter, saying, "Here's some radiation."
　帰京後、議員宿舎で記者団の取材を受けた際、着ていた防災服の袖を記者にこすりつけるようなしぐさをして、「ほら、放射能」などと語ったとされる。

"I don't remember exactly what I said," Hachiro explained later. But as a politician who is supposed to prevent radiation-related rumors and misinformation from causing harm, such remarks and behavior are insensitive.
　鉢呂氏は「言葉は正確に記憶していない」と釈明したが、風評被害を抑えるべき立場にある政治家としては、あまりに無神経だ。

At a press conference Friday morning, he called the areas he visited near the nuclear plant "towns of death." 　９日の記者会見では、視察した原発の周辺市町村を「死のまち」と表現した。

Those affected by the crisis must have been dismayed to hear their hometowns called "towns of death" by a member of the Cabinet, which should be doing its utmost to tackle the crisis.
事故対応に全力を挙げるべき内閣の一員から、ふるさとを「死のまち」と呼ばれては、被災者は到底納得できまい。

At a press conference later the same day, he apologized for his remark and withdrew it.
鉢呂氏は陳謝して発言を撤回した。

Even regarding trade and industrial policies, Hachiro made faltering remarks.
　鉢呂氏は産業・通商政策に関しても腰の定まらない発言が目立った。

Concerning the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade accord, he said, "It is difficult to reconcile the elimination of tariffs and revitalization of the nation's agriculture," thus showing his backward-looking stance on the issue.
環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）については「関税ゼロと農業再生の両立は難しい」と後ろ向きの姿勢を示していた。

On nuclear power policy, he expressed his view that nuclear plants will, in principle, be eliminated in the long run, showing little understanding of the need for a stable energy supply.
　原子力政策でも、将来は基本的に「原発ゼロ」になるとの見通しを語るだけで、エネルギー安定供給への認識には乏しかった。

===

Noda tries damage control

Noda tried to put an early end to the matter, probably because of his judgment that, with an extraordinary Diet session--his administration's first--scheduled to start on Tuesday, he might face a hard time steering Diet proceedings with the opposition raising questions concerning Hachiro's gaffe.
　首相が早期幕引きを図った背景には、１３日から始まる政権初の臨時国会を控え、失言に対する野党の追及で厳しい国会運営を強いられるとの判断があろう。

The situation whereby a key minister has resigned just nine days into the job is, indeed, a heavy blow to the Noda administration.
　重要閣僚が就任から９日目に辞任する事態は、野田政権には極めて大きな打撃だ。

In another resignation related to the Great East Japan Earthquake, Ryu Matsumoto resigned as minister in charge of rebuilding areas ravaged by the March 11 disaster after making offensive remarks in July.
　東日本大震災を巡っては、７月に松本龍・前復興相が失言で辞任している。

Public distrust in politics thus continues to grow.
政治への不信感はさらに増幅するばかりである。

In addition to Hachiro's gaffes, inappropriate remarks have been made by members of the Cabinet and the ruling Democratic Party of Japan.
　鉢呂氏以外にも、政府・与党からは不用意な発言が飛び出している。

Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa has described himself as an "amateur" on national security issues.
一川防衛相は「安全保障に関しては素人だ」と発言し、

Hirofumi Hirano, the DPJ's Diet Affairs Committee chairman, told his opposition party counterparts his idea of not holding a Budget Committee meeting during the extra Diet session, saying, "As the [newly launched] Cabinet remains in an incomplete condition, we cannot properly reply to interpellations."
平野博文国会対策委員長も「内閣が不完全な状態では十分な国会答弁ができない」と語った。

The Noda administration has many policy issues waiting to be handled, including post-disaster reconstruction efforts, ways to deal with the rapid rise of the yen, and diplomatic issues.
　震災復興、円高対策、外交問題など、野田政権には多くの政策課題が待ち構えている。

Noda must rebuild his Cabinet quickly and make doubly sure that he is fully prepared to manage the administration.
首相は早急に体制を立て直し、政権運営に万全を期さねばならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 11, 2011)
（2011年9月11日01時16分 読売新聞）