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May 11, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Editorial: Japan should work with Russia to solve territorial dispute as Putin becomes president
社説:プーチン新体制　関係深めて突破口探れ

Japan should seek a breakthrough in its deadlocked territorial dispute with Russia by strengthening its relations with the new administration of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
（プーチン新政権との関係強化で行き詰まっている北方領土問題も解決して欲しい　trans. by srachai　）

Putin, former prime minister, has been sworn in as president again and appointed his predecessor Dmitry Medvedev as prime minister, whose role is to handle domestic affairs.
　ロシアでプーチン前首相が４年ぶりに大統領に復帰し、メドベージェフ前大統領はその下で内政を取り仕切る首相に就任した。

In other words, the two swapped their positions, and Putin, who had been the second-in-command in the Russian government under the Constitution, has become the top leader again and is expected to show his strong leadership in governing the country.
２人が役どころをかえた形だが、これまで憲法上は「ナンバー２」だったプーチン氏が名実ともに国家指導者の座に返り咲き、ロシアの一層の国力強化に向けて強い主導権を発揮していくことになるだろう。

However, the second Putin administration, which follows his first administration from 2000 to 2008, faces a thorny path.
　だが、００～０８年に続く「第２次プーチン政権」の船出は波乱含みだ。

More than 20,000 citizens gathered for a demonstration in Moscow on May 6 to express their opposition to Putin's return to the presidency, and some of them clashed with police, leading to the arrests of over 400 people.
大統領就任式を前に６日、プーチン氏の復帰に反対するモスクワの抗議デモに２万人以上が集まり、一部が警官隊と衝突して４００人以上が拘束された。

Massive demonstrations against Putin, which had continued since a lower house election in December last year, did not cause major confusion.
　昨年１２月の下院選後、今年３月の大統領選をはさんで続いてきた政権への大規模な抗議行動は、これまで大きな混乱はなかった。

This time, however, some participants went off the designated course during their demonstration march and security authorities suppressed them.
新体制の船出としては異例の事態といえる。

It is certain that such confusion and disturbance will continue to occur frequently unless the government changes its autocratic nature, which is represented by its lack of a system to respond to the public's dissatisfaction.
今回はデモ隊の一部が既定のコースを外れ、当局が力で抑え込みにかかった。
国民の不満をくみ上げる政治システムに欠ける強権的な政権の体質が変わらなければ、こうした混乱が今後も頻発するのは確実だ。

One cannot help but wonder whether Putin is serious about strengthening Russia's democracy as he pledged in his inaugural address.
プーチン氏は、就任あいさつで約束した「ロシアの民主主義の強化」に真剣に取り組むつもりなのか。

He should be aware that the international community as a whole is worried about Russia's democracy.
国際社会に懸念があることを自覚してもらいたい。

On the diplomatic front, concerns have been voiced over whether Putin will revive the hard line that he had adopted when he was president from 2000 and 2008.
　外交政策でも、プーチン氏が前回の大統領時代にとった強硬路線の復活を懸念する声がある。

He has so far shown no sign of responding to U.S. President Barack Obama's proposal to launch negotiations toward further arms reductions.
オバマ米大統領からの一層の核軍縮へ向けた交渉開始の呼びかけには、今のところ応じる気配は見せておらず、

Moreover, he reportedly has no intention of attending the Group of Eight summit meeting to be held in the United States in May.
５月に米国で開かれる主要８カ国（Ｇ８）首脳会議にも出席しないという。

Putin is highly likely to make his diplomatic debut since he assumed the presidency again at a summit meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
　大統領復帰の「外交デビュー」は６月初めに北京で開かれる上海協力機構の首脳会議になる可能性が高い。

In September, he will host a summit meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum to be held in Vladivostok, which will be the first such conference to be held in Russia.
９月には極東ウラジオストクで、ロシアで初めてのアジア太平洋経済協力会議（ＡＰＥＣ）首脳会議を主催する。

These show that Putin places priority on strengthening Russia's relations with Asian countries.
当面はプーチン氏がアジアとの関係強化を優先課題と考えていることの表れといえる。

In the first presidential decree he issued following his inauguration, Putin cited the promotion of reciprocal cooperation with Japan as one of his key policies.
　就任にあたって発出した大統領令の中では、日本との「互恵協力の発展」を基本路線の一つに掲げた。

However, Putin's inauguration as president has drawn mixed reactions in Japan, with some placing high expectations on his policy of attaching importance to Russia's ties with Asian countries and others warning against optimism because Moscow's demand for compromise from Japan over the bilateral territorial dispute remains unchanged.
日本では、プーチン氏のアジア重視路線に期待する声と、北方領土問題で日本に譲歩を迫る姿勢は変わらないとして期待を戒める声がある。

These two views appear to conflict with each other, but both are right.
この二つは一見矛盾するようだが、いずれも正しい。

Behind Putin's policy of attaching importance to Russia's ties with Asia is his hard-headed strategy of using Asia's economic dynamism, including Japan's advanced technology, to develop the country's Far Eastern region and modernize the country's economy.
日本の高度な技術力などアジアの経済活力を取り込み、シベリア・極東地域の発展と国家経済の近代化につなげたいプーチン氏の冷徹な国家戦略がアジア重視の背景にある。

Japan should position its diplomacy toward Russia, including its economic cooperation, as a pillar of its overall national strategy and deepen its relations with Russia's new administration in an effort to seek a breakthrough in the territorial dispute.
日本も、エネルギーなどの経済協力も含めた対露外交を大局的な国家戦略の中に位置づけ、ロシア新政権との関係を深める中から領土問題解決の突破口を探るべきだ。

毎日新聞　2012年05月11日　02時30分

The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 12, 2012)
Reform welfare system to help those helping themselves
生活保護見直し　自立を促し不正許さぬ制度に（5月11日付・読売社説）

As the economic situation continues to deteriorate, the number of people receiving welfare benefits has risen to almost 2.1 million. Reforming the welfare system to help people willing to work become self-reliant is an urgent task.
　経済情勢の悪化を背景に、生活保護の受給者が増え続け、２１０万人に迫っている。働く意欲のある人の自立を助ける制度改革が急務である。

The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has presented to the Social Security Council a basic draft for discussions on reforming the welfare system. The ministry plans to flesh out welfare reform as a "livelihood support strategy" by autumn.
　厚生労働省は、生活保護制度を改革するため、社会保障審議会に議論のたたき台を示した。秋までに「生活支援戦略」として具体化する。

One prominent feature of the plan is the proposed establishment of a "working income accumulation system." Under this system, a certain proportion of the income received by a welfare recipient would be accumulated and given in a lump sum when they get off welfare.
　注目されるのは、新設を検討する「就労収入積立制度」だ。働いて得た収入の一定割合を積み立て、生活保護から脱した時にまとめて受け取る仕組みである。

One reason for ballooning welfare expenses has been the increase in welfare recipients in the prime of their working life. In recent years, many nonregular employees who are not enrolled in unemployment insurance immediately ended up relying on welfare benefits after losing their job.
　生活保護の膨張の一因は、働き盛り世代の受給者の増加にある。近年は雇用保険に未加入の非正規労働者が、失業によって一気に生活保護に陥るケースが目立つ。

Although people want to get off welfare, it is difficult for many to find a job that pays well. The reality is that a worker's income gradually rises as their career progresses.
　生活保護から抜け出したくても収入のよい仕事に就くのは容易ではない。徐々に収入を増やしていく、というのが現実だ。

===

Stamp out fraud

Under the current system, however, if welfare recipients work and earn income, the benefits they receive will in principle be cut by the amount they earned. Observers have pointed out that this system drains a recipient's will to get off welfare because they end up with the same amount of money regardless of whether they work or not.
　ところが現行制度は原則として働いて収入を得ると、その分、生活保護の給付額がカットされる。働いても働かなくても同じでは、生活保護から脱却しようという意欲をそぐ、と指摘されていた。

Therefore, the working income accumulation system can be expected to have a positive effect in this regard. The money a worker accumulates will not result in a cut in their welfare benefits. Welfare recipients thus will be able to better prepare financially for the future and their will to work and become self-reliant will grow. Their income will increase and the government's welfare expenditures will fall.
　それだけに、積立制度には効果が期待される。積み立て分は給付減額の対象とはならない。将来に備えることができ、就労、自立への意欲は高まろう。収入全体が増え、給付される公費も減る。

We suggest the government quickly settle the details of the envisaged system, including the percentage of income that will be accumulated, and promptly introduce it even on a trial basis.
　どの程度の割合で積み立てるかなど細部の設計を急ぎ、試験的にでも速やかに実行してはどうか。

At the same time, it may be necessary to create more job opportunities for welfare recipients, including positions at public facilities.
併せて、公共施設の業務など就労機会を作ることも必要だろう。

Welfare benefits are expected to exceed 3.7 trillion yen this fiscal year. In the past five years, the amount has increased by as much as 1 trillion yen.
　生活保護の給付総額は今年度、３兆７０００億円を超える見通しだ。この５年間で、１兆円も膨らんでいる。

Welfare fraud must be thoroughly prevented to stop this figure from rising further. This is especially true for medical care benefits, which account for about half of total welfare benefit expenses.
これを抑制するためにも不正の防止は徹底すべきだ。特に、生活保護費の約半分を占める医療給付である。

===

LDP must lend a hand

Currently, people on welfare are exempted from paying medical expenses, and in many cases they receive more medical examinations than necessary. Also, there are unscrupulous medical institutions that earn medical treatment fees by examining mostly welfare recipients.
　生活保護受給者は医療費の自己負担がなく、必要以上の診療を受けていることが少なくない。受給者ばかりを集め、診療報酬を稼ぐ悪質な医療機関も存在する。

The ministry is discussing strengthening measures to prevent fraud, including establishing a system in which another doctor will be asked to decide whether medical examinations are being conducted appropriately. Such steps will be essential for making welfare benefit expenses more transparent.
　厚労省は、診療内容が適正かどうか別の医師にも判断を求める制度など、不正防止の強化策を検討中だ。生活保護費の透明性を高めるために不可欠である。

The main opposition Liberal Democratic Party, which is discussing a counterproposal for integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, also heavily favors boosting welfare recipients' self-reliance. The LDP has presented a policy of curbing benefits by placing greater emphasis on assistance for welfare recipients trying to stand on their own feet.
　社会保障と税の一体改革で対案を検討中の自民党も、「自助」を重視する立場から、自立支援策に力点を置いて生活保護給付を抑制する方針を打ち出している。

A review of welfare benefit payments also is an important pillar of the integrated reform. The ruling and opposition parties should work together to advance welfare system reform from various angles.
　生活保護の見直しも、一体改革の重要な柱である。与野党で力を合わせ、多角的に制度改革を進めるべきだ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 11, 2012)
（2012年5月11日01時28分 読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 11, 2012)
Putin's diplomatic strategies require careful scrutiny
プーチン大統領　見定めたいアジア重視戦略（5月10日付・読売社説）

After an interval of four years, Vladimir Putin has returned to the post of Russian president. His new administration will have its hands full dealing with a stack of problems.
　ロシアでプーチン氏が４年ぶりに大統領に復帰した。多くの難題を抱えた新体制発足である。

"We have strengthened our country and returned our dignity as a great nation," Putin said at his inauguration ceremony. Putin's message conveyed his intention to continue pursuing a strong Russia.
　就任式で、プーチン氏は、「我々は国を強くし、偉大な国民の誇りを取り戻した」と述べ、今後も強いロシアを追求する姿勢を示した。

Many ears pricked up when Putin recently expressed a specific economic goal of becoming one of the world's top five economies in the near future.
　具体的な目標として、世界５位以内の経済大国入りを掲げていることが注目される。

However, to achieve this target, Russia will first need to break free from its excessive dependence on natural resources and develop its domestic industries, such as manufacturing, so that they are competitive in international markets. It is also vital that Russia introduce cutting-edge technologies.
　それには、何よりも、資源依存体質を変え、国際競争力を持つ製造業など国内産業を育成しなければならない。先端技術の導入は不可欠である。

Russia will not be able to obtain the trust of domestic and foreign investors without creating fair markets and an environment that attracts foreign investment.
　公正な市場の形成に取り組み、外国の投資を呼び込むための環境を整備しなければ、国内外から信頼は得られない。

The new president urgently needs to eradicate the widespread corruption in his country and establish the rule of law. Putin was expected to tackle these issues when he first took office in 2000, but the problems remain unresolved.
　ロシア社会にはびこる汚職を一掃し、法治を確立することが急務だ。プーチン氏が２０００年に初めて大統領になった時以来の宿題だが、依然改善できずにいる。

===

Public discontent growing

The fact that thousands of people participated in a demonstration held on the eve of Putin's inauguration shows how frustrated many Russians are with the current state of affairs.
　就任式前日、多くの市民が参加して反プーチン集会が開かれたのは、不満の大きさの表れだ。

To obtain the backing of middle-class Russians seeking change, Putin will need to boldly reform the nation's political and administrative structures. In fact, this will be the only way Russia can achieve economic development.
　変革を求める中間層からも支持を得られるように、政治・行政の大胆な見直しを進めてこそ、経済発展も可能となろう。

In one of Putin's first presidential orders, he stated a policy of strengthening cooperation with the Asia-Pacific region.
　プーチン氏は、就任後最初の大統領令で、アジア太平洋との連携を強化する方針を示した。

He said Moscow plans to establish mutually beneficial, cooperative relationships with nations such as Japan, South Korea and Australia, and to deepen ties with China and India.
　中国、インドなどとの関係を深める一方、日本、韓国、オーストラリアなどとも互恵協力関係の構築を図りたいとしている。

As long as Russia aspires to become a major economic power, it is unsurprising that the country is looking closely at the Asia-Pacific region, which has become a hub of the world's economic growth.
　経済大国化を目指す以上、世界の成長拠点であるアジア太平洋に着目したのは当然だ。

In September, an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit meeting will be held in Vladivostok. Russia will likely use this meeting as a stepping stone for strengthening economic cooperation with Asia-Pacific nations.
　９月にウラジオストクで開くアジア太平洋経済協力会議（ＡＰＥＣ）首脳会議を、連携強化の足掛かりにする狙いがあろう。

===

Don't forget northern territories

Russia has recently become increasingly important to Japan as a supplier of liquefied natural gas--a main fuel for thermal power plants. Strengthening bilateral economic cooperation in the energy field would benefit both countries.
　日本にとって、火力発電所の主力燃料となる液化天然ガス（ＬＮＧ）をロシアから輸入することは、重要性を増している。エネルギー分野で経済協力を拡大することは日露両国に有益だろう。

However, we should not forget the issue of the Russian-held northern territories off Hokkaido. The Japan-Russia relationship soured during the administration of Putin's predecessor, Dmitry Medvedev. Moscow expressed hope for developing joint economic activities on the four islands, but never tried to move territorial talks forward.
　しかし、北方領土問題を忘れてはならない。メドベージェフ前大統領のもとで、日露関係は険悪化した。ロシア側は、日露両国による北方４島での共同経済活動には期待感を示すものの、領土交渉を動かす考えはなかった。

In his third term, Putin will likely take a tough line on foreign policies due to his unstable political footing caused by domestic concerns. Japan should not expect too much on the development of territorial talks.
　大統領として３期目に入ったプーチン氏は、内政で足元が揺れているだけに、対外的には強い姿勢を崩すまい。交渉進展に大きな期待を抱くのは禁物である。

The Japanese government must rebuild its strategy vis-a-vis Russia after thoroughly examining Putin's diplomatic policies.
　日本政府は、プーチン氏の外交方針を十分見極めて、対露戦略を再構築しなければならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 10, 2012)
（2012年5月10日01時46分 読売新聞）

May 05, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Editorial: Aging society does not necessarily spell doom
社説:超高齢社会　「肩車型」の常識を疑え

Longevity is something to be celebrated, but when it comes to the aging of Japanese society, it is often discussed in a pessimistic tone.
　長寿はおめでたいことなのに、高齢化となると悲観論をもって語られることが多い。

One reason for this is the continuing decline in people of working age. Learning that our society is shifting from one in which four working people financially support one senior citizen, to another in which each working person must support one senior citizen -- a so-called "piggyback" setup -- would make anyone anxious. And indeed, that is exactly what is happening.
現役世代の人口が減り続けているせいでもある。現役４人が高齢者１人を背負う「騎馬戦型」から、現役１人が高齢者１人を背負う「肩車型」になると言われたら誰しも不安になるだろう。たしかに人口比率はそのようになる。

This unfolding state of affairs has prompted calls to raise Japan's tax and insurance rates, which are some of the lowest among all industrialized nations around the world. But perhaps because Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and other officials lack the rhetoric to persuade the public of the validity of their policy, the push to establish a full-fledged piggyback arrangement appears to be undermining confidence in the country's social security system.
　だからこそ先進国最低レベルの国民負担率（税と保険の負担）をもう少し引き上げるべきだという文脈で「肩車型」説は登場したはずだったが、野田佳彦首相らの言い方がまずいのだろうか、逆に社会保障制度の信頼性を揺るがせているようにも思える。

It would be ironic if the number of people signing up with the national pension or health insurance plans were to shrink as a result.
そのせいで年金や保険の未加入者が増えているのだとしたらあまりに皮肉だ。

So let us take a closer look at why piggyback systems spur pessimism.
現役の負担は増えない　ここは世の「肩車型＝悲観論」の常識を疑ってみようではないか。

Accepting the premise that the ratio of working-age citizens (people aged 15 to 64) to senior citizens (those aged 65 and over) will eventually become one to one, the important thing when evaluating the stability of the social security system is the ratio between those in the work force earning money, and those who are being supported.
現役（１５～６４歳）と高齢者（６５歳以上）の人口比がいずれ１対１になるのは間違いないとして、社会保障の安定性を考える上で大事なのは働いて所得を得ている層と「支えられる側」の比率であることを忘れてはならない。

It's not just senior citizens that the working population supports.
「支えられる側」にいるのは高齢者だけではない。

It was common for families to have and therefore provide for many children in the era immediately after World War II, but the number of children per household has been in decline more recently.
戦後間もないころの親は大勢の子供たちを育てていたが、今は子供の数が減り続けている。

Those who required financial support in the past also included housewives, the disabled, and those who were ill, but today, there are more two-income households than single-income households, and the employment of the disabled is on the rise.
　また、以前の「支えられる側」には専業主婦、障害者、病気の人も含まれていたが、今は専業主婦世帯よりも共働き世帯の方が増え、障害者の雇用率も上がっている。

Moreover, there are far more people working past the age of 65 today than there were before.
また、６５歳を過ぎても働いている高齢者は以前と比べものにならないほど多くなった。

Shut-ins and NEETs (people "not in education, employment, or training") undoubtedly do exist, but even taking such populations into account, the ratio between those who do the supporting and those who receive support has barely changed over the past few decades.
ひきこもりやニートなど現役世代で働いていない人もいるが、これらのデータを含めて総合的に見ると、「支える側」と「支えられる側」の比率はこの数十年ほとんど変化がない。

If senior citizens and housewives continue to work outside the home, thereby expanding the population providing for those who need support, the burden on the working population should not increase.
今後も高齢者や主婦が働いて「支える側」が厚くなれば、高齢化率の伸びほどには現役世代の負担は増えないだろう。

The theory that social security costs will surge at a rate of 1 trillion yen per year as Japanese society continues to age, widening intergenerational economic gaps, also calls for closer analysis.
　もう一つ、悲観論の根拠である「高齢化に伴って社会保障費が毎年１兆円ずつ増え、世代間格差が広がる」という説も考えてみよう。

During a time when it was common for three generations of families to live together, caring for elderly parents and children was considered the work of the wife, while the husband was expected to earn money for all household expenses.
　３世代同居が当たり前だった時代は、老いた両親の介護や子供の保育はもっぱら妻の役割とされ、その妻を含めた大家族全員の生活費を現役世代の夫が一人で支えていた。

As nuclear families and single-person households become the norm and the number of children drops, the burden of caring for elderly family members and bringing up children becomes relatively light.
ところが、核家族やひとり暮らしが当たり前になり、子供の数も減ってくると、親の介護や保育の負担は相対的に軽くなる。

If elderly parents are able to live on social security and personal savings, the financial burden on the working generation is alleviated.
老いた親も年金や預金で生活できるようになれば、現役世代の経済的負担は少なくなる。

Of course, there are many senior citizens who receive a low level of social security benefits or none at all, and there is no end to the number of people who leave their jobs to focus on caring for their aging parents.
　もちろん、無年金や低年金の高齢者は多く、親の介護のために離職する人も後を絶たないが、

However, compared to a time when neither social security nor nursing care insurance was available, the burden on working citizens has not become categorically worse.
年金も介護保険もなかったころに比べれば、今の現役世代の負担は一概に重くなったとは言えない。

Rather, inheritance per capita has risen, and people generally have more opportunities and funds to receive an education.
むしろ１人当たりの相続財産は以前より多く、教育を受ける機会や費用も増えている。

In other words, the impression people commonly have of the piggyback arrangement, and the actual generational gap in burdens are very different.
「肩車型」のイメージと世代間格差の実相はかなり違うと考えるべきだ。

Rising social security costs may pose great pressure on government finances, but if the increased costs are translated into better nursing care and childcare services, it could lighten the load on families in the working generation.
　国家財政レベルでは社会保障費の増加は圧迫要因かもしれないが、増加分が介護や保育サービスの充実に回れば、現役世代の家族内の負担は軽減されていく。

One of the intended functions of the social security system is to collect a larger proportion of taxes and insurance premiums from high-income workers, and redistribute it to those with lower incomes.
もともと社会保障は所得の多い人から税や保険料を多く集め、所得の少ない人に回す再分配の機能を持つ。

What's important is not just whether the costs are expanding, but whether the funds are being redistributed effectively.
費用の膨張だけでなく、再分配が有効に機能しているかどうかが問題なのである。

There is a group, sometimes called the "platinum generation," whose age makes them "senior citizens" but are actually a part of the population that give the piggyback rides.
プラチナ世代に注目　「支える側」で特に注目すべきなのは元気な高齢層だ。
年齢区分では「高齢者」とされるが、実は肩車の下側で支えている。

Among those who turned 65 this year are pro-baseball team Rakuten Eagles' manager Senichi Hoshino and the comedian and film director Takeshi Kitano.
たとえば、今年６５歳になった人を見ると、プロ野球の星野仙一楽天監督、タレントで映画監督の北野武氏をはじめそうそうたる人物が各界で名を連ねる。

They're full of life and are highly unlikely to go into retirement anytime soon.
そう簡単に隠居などしそうにない、ピカピカの現役である。

Readers must also know many people who are 65 or older who one wouldn't think to describe as "elderly."
「お年寄り」と呼ぶのもはばかられる６５歳以上はあなたの身近にも多いはずだ。

In a story on post-war Japanese medicine and insurance last year, the British medical journal The Lancet wrote about the "platinum generation" -- called so because while its members technically fit into the "silver generation," they are shiny and bright instead of dull like oxidized silver.
Japan must recognize not only that our people are living long lives, but also that our country has produced a large population of energetic seniors.
　年齢的にはシルバーだが、いぶし銀のような地味さはなく色あせずに輝き続けるという意味で「プラチナ世代」と呼ばれたりする。
戦後の日本の医療や保険の成果について昨年、英医学誌「ランセット」が特集したが、単に長寿だというだけでなく元気な高齢世代を大量に出現させた功績も見逃してはならない。

It is not rare to see former businessmen and researchers in the sciences finding success in areas such as social welfare and farming after retiring from their original jobs. 　ビジネスマンや理系研究者が定年後、福祉や農業などの分野に転身し成功している例は今や珍しくない。

We would like senior citizens to break bravely into uncharted fields, making use of the abundant knowledge and experience they've accumulated over the years.
未知の分野に果敢に飛び込み、長年培ってきた豊富な知識や経験を生かしてほしい。

It is at the intersection of various values that we can hope to find clues that will pave the way to a new era.
多様な価値観がぶつかり合うところに新しい時代を切り開くヒントが生まれるはずだ。

To fully harness the skills and talents of the platinum generation, medical and welfare systems must change.
　プラチナ世代が輝き続けるためには医療や福祉も変わらねばならない。

With old age, most people develop illnesses and disabilities.
高齢になれば誰だって病気や障害は持つものだ。

We must make a quick shift from our current acute medical model concentrating on curing patients, to a medical and nursing care model that allows people to continue working and living with purpose while living with chronic ailments.
「治す」ことを目的にした急性期医療モデルから、治らなくても生きがいを持って働き続けられるような慢性期の医療・介護モデルへの転換を急ぐべきだ。

Once the platinum generation comes to account for a much larger proportion of those who provide support to those who need it, our nation will look very different.
　大量のプラチナ世代が「支える側」に回ったとき、この国のかたちはずいぶん違って見えてくる。

Excessive pessimism is uncalled for.
過度の悲観は禁物だ。

Let us think about how we ourselves can continue to give piggybacks as long as possible.
どうやって「支える側」に居続けられるかを考えよう。

毎日新聞　2012年05月05日　02時30分

The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 8, 2012)
Human rights issue causes friction between U.S., China
米中戦略対話　人権で摩擦の火種を残した（5月6日付・読売社説）

The fourth round of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, held in Beijing, recently ended.
　北京で開かれていた第４回米中戦略・経済対話が閉幕した。

Ministers of the two countries discussed a range of issues such as diplomacy, security and the economy. In a joint statement, the countries vowed "to build a new model of bilateral relations in the 21st century."
　両国の閣僚が、外交や安全保障、経済など幅広い課題について話し合い、共同文書で、「２１世紀の新たな国家関係のモデルを構築する」との方針を確認した。

The United States and China, whose economic interdependence has deepened, reiterated they would aim to play an important role not only in addressing global economic issues but also in achieving peace and stability in the international community.
　経済的な相互依存関係を深める両国が、世界経済だけでなく、国際社会の平和と安定に重要な役割を果たしていくという決意を、改めて表明したものだ。

Shortly before the talks, however, a diplomatic standoff arose when blind Chinese rights activist Chen Guangcheng sought protection at the U.S. Embassy.
　だが、対話直前、中国の盲目の人権活動家、陳光誠氏の米国大使館駆け込み事件が起きた。

The United States and China gave the impression that they even attempted to resolve the issue during the talks to prevent it from harming their bilateral relationship.
　対話中も、米中は、事件が両国関係に影響を及ぼさぬよう、もっぱら事件の火消しに終始した感が強い。

But this case has highlighted the fact that the two countries have flashpoints over human rights issues in addition to diplomatic and military matters.
外交・軍事面は無論、人権問題でも火種を抱えていることを浮き彫りにしたと言える。

The diplomatic standoff is likely to end, as China has indicated it will allow Chen to leave the country to study in the United States.
　事件は、中国側が陳氏の留学目的での出国を認める方針を示し、米国留学で決着する見通しだ。

China is apparently aiming to fend off a growing domestic democracy movement by permitting Chen, who has become a symbol in the human rights movement, to leave China soon.
　中国には、人権問題の象徴となった陳氏を早期に出国させることで、国内の民主化運動の高まりを防ぐ狙いがあろう。

===

Washington needs patience

The United States and China agreed to hold talks on human rights issues this summer. But Beijing, which has called foreign countries' references to human rights in China interference in its domestic affairs, is unlikely to change its attitude. The United States therefore needs to patiently urge China to improve its human rights situation without compromising easily.
　米中は、人権対話の今夏開催で合意した。国内人権状況への言及を「内政干渉」とはねつける中国の姿勢は変わるまい。米国は安易に妥協することなく、状況改善を地道に働きかける必要がある。

Issues concerning moves on the Korean Peninsula, such as prevention of an anticipated nuclear test by North Korea, and Iran's nuclear program--which were supposed to be the main focus of the talks--ended up being overshadowed by human rights. Such topics as North Korea and Iran were on the agenda, but the specifics of discussions on the matters are unknown.
　今回の対話の焦点だった北朝鮮の核実験阻止など朝鮮半島情勢や、イラン核問題への対応は、人権問題の陰に隠れる形となった。議題に取り上げられたものの、具体的な議論の内容は不明だ。

China and the United States, both permanent members of U.N. Security Council, should take the initiative in blocking North Korea from carrying out another nuclear test.
　国連安全保障理事会の常任理事国である両国は、率先して北朝鮮の核実験阻止に努めるべきだ。

During the dialogue, the United States and China also decided to inaugurate maritime safety talks this autumn as well as consultations on Asia-Pacific affairs in the second half of the year.
　今回の対話では、海洋安全対話を今秋初めて開催することや、アジア太平洋地域に関する協議を今年後半に開くことも決まった。

Disagreements between the two countries over the South China Sea are significant. The United States has called on China to maintain free navigation in the sea while Beijing has urged Washington to respect its "core national interests." Dispelling mutual distrust through a series of talks is vital for the two countries.
　南シナ海を巡っては、「航行の自由」を訴える米国と、自らの「核心的利益」として尊重を迫る中国の立場の隔たりが大きい。両国が一連の対話を通じて、不信感を緩和することが重要である。

===

Dialogue has positive effect

Regarding the economy, the countries decided to resume negotiations on concluding an investment accord. China pressed the United States to ease regulations on high-tech exports to China. Washington agreed to look into Beijing's request, including the easing of such export control.
　経済問題では投資協定の交渉再開が決まった。中国がハイテク製品の対中輸出規制緩和を求めたのに対し、米国が検討に応じるなど合意点も少なくなかった。

This platform of economic dialogue appears to have had some positive effect in reducing economic frictions between the two countries.
経済摩擦の解消へ、対話は一定の効果を上げていると見てよい。

Meanwhile, ministerial-level economic talks between Japan and China have not been held since 2010, primarily due to Japan's political stalemate and China's objections over the Senkaku Islands issue. The Japanese government must restart and expand the talks as soon as possible.
　日中間では、日本の政局や尖閣諸島を巡る中国の反発などが原因で、閣僚級のハイレベル経済対話が２０１０年を最後に、開かれていない。対話を早期に再開し、拡大を図っていかねばならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 6, 2012)
（2012年5月6日01時15分 読売新聞）

May 06, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Problem of young homeless not just a lack of drive
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:甘え？若年ホームレス　／東京

The Big Issue, a project which supports homeless people by having them sell its magazines, is now known by many people. Recently The Big Issue foundation put together its second report on young homeless. In the introduction it is written that since the 2008 financial crisis, the number of homeless in Japan under 40 has sharply risen.
　路上生活者に雑誌を販売してもらい、仕事を提供して自立を応援する事業「ビッグイシュー」は、いまでは多くの人に知られる存在となった。そのビッグイシュー基金が、このたび「若者ホームレス白書２」をまとめた。その冒頭には、２００８年のリーマン・ショック以降、４０歳未満の若いホームレスが急増している、という衝撃的な事実が記されている。

There are surely people who, hearing that there are those who are young and yet have no job or home, think, "They probably just don't have drive." From the report, however, the complicated circumstances of these young people can be seen, which cannot be set aside only by saying these people "don't have drive."
　「若いのに仕事も家もない人」と聞くと、「やる気がないだけなんでしょう？」と思う人もいるだろう。しかし、白書からは単に「やる気がない」だけではすまされない、彼らの複雑な事情が浮かび上がってくる。

It may seem strange, but many homeless in their 20s and 30s have not only work experience, but experience as full-time employees. One young person mentioned in the report feared work after traumatic bullying at a previous job. "Of course it is unpleasant being homeless. But I have an equal amount of fear toward working," the person is quoted as saying.
　意外に感じるかもしれないが、２０代、３０代のホームレスの多くは、就業経験どころか正社員の経験も持つ。白書に取り上げられているある若者は、過去に仕事で受けたトラウマがもとになり、働くことが怖くなり、身動きが取れなくなっている。「職場いじめ」を受けたという２０代の若者の言葉が痛々しい。「ホームレス状態でいることはもちろんイヤ。でもそれと同じくらいの恐怖が働くことがある」

Of course, I understand there are opinions that such people are not trying hard enough. However, I don't think that when they come across difficulties, things will somehow work out if they withstand the stress and seek help from those around them, because they no longer trust themselves or others.
　もちろん、「そんなの、甘えだよ」という声があるのもわかる。しかし、甘えているわけではない。彼らは「困難にぶち当たっても、耐えたりまわりに相談したりすればなんとかなるはずだ」と思えない。自分のことも他人のことも、まったく信頼できないからだ。

Reading the report, one understands that for these people to get out of homelessness, they need more than just work, a home or money. They need to once more trust the world, other people and themselves, or nothing will start.
　白書を読んでいると、彼らがホームレス状態から脱出するためには、仕事や住まい、準備資金などを与えるだけでは不十分だ、ということがわかってくる。彼らにもう一度、世間や他人、そして自分のことを信じる気持ちを持ってもらわなければ、何ごとも始まらないのだ。

To restore this trust, first they need to think, "The world and life are not bad."
　では、どうすれば「他人や自分を信頼する気持ち」を回復させられるのか。まず必要なのは、「世の中や人生って悪くないな」と思ってもらうことだ。

The Big Issue's foundation has created homeless soccer teams and had them participate in various competitions. Through this there have been young people who, feeling gratitude that there is a place they can relax, have taken the first steps toward recovery.
ビッグイシュー基金でもホームレスの人たちのサッカーチームを作り、いろいろな大会に積極的に参加しているが、そこで「ホッとできる場所があるっていいな」と感じて立ち直りの一歩を歩み出した若者もいる。

(英文は翻訳抜けでしょう＾＾）
　もちろん、「そんなの、甘えだよ」という声があるのもわかる。しかし、甘えているわけではない。彼らは「困難にぶち当たっても、耐えたりまわりに相談したりすればなんとかなるはずだ」と思えない。自分のことも他人のことも、まったく信頼できないからだ。

The report reads, "Young homelessness is not a unique phenomenon." In these hard times, everyone constantly lives with the possibility that their workplace or community will tell them, "You are no longer needed." I hope people will think of the young homeless who have lost their jobs, homes and social connections without saying, "They are just not trying hard enough."
　白書は言う。「若年ホームレスは特殊な現象ではない」。厳しいこの時代、誰もがいまの職場や地域から「もういらないよ」と言われる危険性と隣り合わせだ。「ああ、ただの甘えでしょ」と思わずに、仕事も住まいも人とのつながりも失った、若年ホームレスの問題や彼らの胸のうちについて考えてみてほしい。

(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
〔都内版〕
毎日新聞　2012年05月01日　地方版