香山リカさんは精神科医師としては心が優しすぎるなって感じました。
（スラチャイ記）

(Mainichi Japan) April 17, 2011
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Emotions on the one-month anniversary of the earthquake
香山リカのココロの万華鏡：震災から１カ月　／東京
 
More than one month has now passed since the devastating earthquake and tsunami.
　震災から１カ月。

We have all spent the time since then in our own ways, but there may be those who recently found themselves vividly remembering that day one month ago, once again being assaulted by fear or sadness.
それぞれの人が、それぞれのすごし方をしたはずだ。
　中には、１カ月前のあの日のことが生々しく思い出され、恐怖、悲しみが再び襲ってきた、という人もいるのではないだろうか。

There may even be those who have become physically ill, even as they were just getting their lives back on track.
生活がやっと元のリズムに戻りつつあったのに、また体調が悪くなったという人もいるかもしれない。

A person's emotional state becoming highly unsettled on the weekly, monthly, or yearly anniversary of some big event is a known phenomenon in psychiatry, and it in itself is neither a disease nor is it abnormal.
　大きなできごとから１週間、１カ月、１年など節目節目のときに、感情が激しく揺れてしまう。これは、精神医学の世界で「記念日反応」と呼ばれる現象で、それ自体は異常でも病気でもない。

One cause of it can be emphasis placed on such anniversaries by television programs and newspapers.
テレビや新聞が「あれから１カ月」と強調するのも、この反応の引き金になることがある。

However, as much as one tells oneself that "this is not abnormal," the emotional disturbance itself can be very hard to bear, and some people may take a further emotional hit by seeing a reversal in themselves after they thought they had made progress in recovering.
ただ、いくら「異常ではないのだ」と思っても、それ自体はとてもつらく、「少しは立ち直ったはずだったのに」と感情の揺り戻しにショックを受ける人もいるだろう。

In the case of the recent disasters, the continuing aftershocks and developments at the nuclear power plant may have aggravated this anniversary phenomenon.
　とくに、繰り返す余震や原発事故への不安が、１カ月目の心の反応をよりシビアなものにしているおそれがある。

Preventing the occurrence of this anniversary reaction might not be possible.
　この記念日反応自体が起こらないようにするのは、正直言ってむずかしい。

However, just knowing of its existence should take away some of the emotional burden of those experiencing it.
ただ、そういうものがあると知っておくだけでも、心は少しラクになるはずだ。

If you find yourself thinking, "Lately, I feel somehow anxious, and I'm often crying," you can then think, "Ah wait, this may be my reaction to the one-month anniversary.
It can happen to anyone, and it's OK," and it may become easier to let those bad feelings pass.
「最近、なんだかまた心がざわつくな。涙もよくこぼれるし。そうか、これが１カ月目あたりの記念日反応なのか」と思うと、「誰でもなることなんだから、だいじょうぶ」とやり過ごしやすくなるのではないか。

Furthermore, if one intentionally makes oneself aware of anniversaries and then passes them with an activity like offering a silent prayer, then I think one can reduce the feelings of uneasiness.
また節目の時を自分であえて「あれから半年か」などと意識して、静かに祈りの時をすごすなどすれば、えたいの知れない感情による動揺を減らせると思う。

Thinking about it, after a disaster this huge, it is only natural that the path to recovery will not be a simple and straight one.
　考えてみれば、これだけの大災害なのだから、立ち直りの道のりが一直線でないのも、あたり前。

It is extremely normal that people would feel anxiety during anniversary periods, going from having somewhat positive attitudes back to gloomy ones, and from having energy to losing it.
節目の時期に気持ちが揺れるのは、ごく自然のことだ。少し前向きになったかと思うとまた落ち込み、やる気があふれてきたはずなのに突然、無気力になる。

Even if there are ups and downs, as long as the end result is recovery, there is no problem.
山あり谷ありでだんだん、元気になっていけばそれでいいのだ。

No one should feel bad about themselves if they experience stalls or setbacks on their road to recovery.
　復興の歩みの中で、停滞したりまた心が逆戻りしたりすることを、後ろめたく思わないでほしい。

In fact, I worry about those who have made themselves consistently positive and optimistic since the disaster, and whether built up exhaustion won't at some point overcome them, coming out all at once.
むしろ、発生直後から一貫して前向きで元気いっぱい、という人のほうが、いつかその疲れが一気に出るのでは、と心配だ。

Amidst all of this, I don't expect that anyone can completely be their normal selves, and it's no mystery if something happens to our emotional states.
　こんな中、誰もがいつもの自分でなんかいられるはずがない。

Without being surprised or caught off-guard by any changes we find in ourselves, we should move forward, doing what we can, while not trying to do the impossible.
心にも何が起きても不思議ではない。驚かずうろたえず、自分の変化を受けとめながら、できることをできる分だけやっていく。できないときには無理をしない。

There is nothing wrong with such a path to recovery, even if it's a bit of a zigzag. (By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
そんなジグザグの歩みでいいはずだ。

毎日新聞　2011年4月12日　地方版

(Mainichi Japan) April 16, 2011
Japan should change energy policy following nuclear power plant crisis
社説：震災後　地震国の原発　政策の大転換を図れ

Events that have occurred since the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake have reminded us of the reality Japan faces -- another powerful earthquake could occur anytime and anywhere, and we have no way to predict it.
　いつ、どこで、どれほど大きな地震や津波が起きても不思議はない。しかも、それを予測するすべを私たちは持たない。

　日本列島の現実を改めて思い知らされる１カ月だった。

　予測不能な大地震だけでも日本が抱える大きなリスクである。

Fifty-four nuclear reactors are situated in coastal areas of Japan. Many experts have repeatedly pointed out how difficult it is to ensure the safety of nuclear power plants in this earthquake-prone country.
その海岸沿いに５４基の原発が建ち並ぶ。地震と原発の共存がいかにむずかしいか。警告は何度も発せられてきた。

Some scientists had predicted that radiation could leak from a nuclear power plant if it was damaged by a powerful quake and ensuing tsunami. One of them, Kobe University professor emeritus Katsuhiko Ishibashi, called such a potential accident an "earthquake-triggered nuclear power plant disaster."
　石橋克彦・神戸大名誉教授のように「原発震災」という言葉で惨事を予見してきた科学者もいる。

However, electric power suppliers as well as the government had dismissed such warnings as a "minority opinion." The consequences of this attitude are the serious crisis at the crippled Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO).
しかし、電力会社も政府も「少数派」として退けてきた。その帰結が今、私たちが直面する東京電力福島第１原発の深刻な事故である。

　◇「想定外」許されぬ

The distortion of the earth's crust caused by the powerful quake has had a huge impact on various areas of Japan. No optimism can be justified for future seismic activity in the Japanese archipelago.
　大地震がもたらした地殻のゆがみは各地に影響を与えている。今後の地震活動は、予断を許さない。

The government has no choice but to seriously consider whether quake-prone Japan can coexist with nuclear power stations, take prompt countermeasures and drastically change its nuclear energy policy.
　地震国日本は原発と共存できるのか。真摯（しんし）に検証した上で、早急に打つべき手を打ちながら、原発政策の大転換を図るしかない。

The biggest problem with nuclear power plants is their lack of measures against tsunami. Measures to protect nuclear plants from tsunami are incorporated in the government's guidelines for the quake-resistance of nuclear power plants that were revised in 2006, but priority has not been given to anti-tsunami measures. Moreover, power suppliers have been slow to re-examine their nuclear plants in accordance with the amended guidelines. TEPCO has not even completed its re-examination.
　まず、誰もが問題だと思うのは津波対策の不備だ。０６年に改定された原発耐震指針に盛り込まれているが、扱いは非常に軽い。新指針に基づく再点検も後回しにされ、東電は点検を終えていない。

On the other hand, some electric power companies strengthened measures to protect their nuclear plants from tsunami following the Chuetsu Offshore Earthquake in Niigata Prefecture in 2007. One of them is the Tokai No. 2 Nuclear Power Plant in central Japan.
　一方で、東海第２原発のように新潟県中越沖地震の後に津波対策を一部強化していたところもある。

It is not permissible to conclude that the crisis at the Fukushima plant was caused by an unexpected massive tsunami.
「想定外の津波」という言葉で事故を総括することは許されない。

TEPCO's responses to the crisis are highly questionable. TEPCO was unprepared for a situation in which all external power sources were lost and it became impossible to cool down nuclear reactors for a long time. This is despite the fact that following the 1979 crisis at the Three Mile Island nuclear power station in the United States, countermeasures against serious nuclear power plant accidents were worked out in Japan to cope with the possibility of more catastrophic nuclear plant disasters.
　事故対応にも疑問は多い。７９年の米スリーマイル島原発事故をきっかけに、設計の想定を超える事態への対応として「過酷事故対策」が日本でも用意された。
　ところが、今回のようにすべての電源が失われ、原子炉が長期間にわたって冷却不能に陥った場合の具体的備えが東電にはなかった。

Initial responses to a nuclear power station accident are extremely crucial. Nevertheless, TEPCO was slow in introducing power-supply vehicles to the crippled plant, ventilating the reactors and pouring sea water into the reactors to cool them down. This shows that TEPCO was unprepared to implement serious accident countermeasures.
　事故対応には初動が何より大事だ。にもかかわらず、電源車の用意や、原子炉の換気、海水注入などに手間取った。過酷事故対策を運用する準備があったとは思えない。

Power suppliers should put priority on securing electric power sources at their nuclear power stations in case of emergency. Guidelines for measures to protect nuclear plants from tsunami and their quake-resistance need to be promptly reviewed.
　当面の課題は、全国の原発で電源確保を確実にすることだ。津波対策や耐震強化の見直しも急がねばならない。

The government has also come under mounting pressure to review its regulations on nuclear power plants and the system to supervise them.
　国の規制や監視体制も改革を迫られている。

We have repeatedly pointed out that it is contradictory that the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency that regulates and supervises nuclear power plants comes under the umbrella of the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry that is promoting nuclear power generation. The government's responses to the accident have illustrated this contradiction. Furthermore, the accident has called into question the raison d'etre of the Cabinet Office's Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC). The government should reorganize these bodies into a completely independent regulatory organization.
監督官庁である原子力安全・保安院が原発推進の立場にある経済産業省に属する矛盾はこれまでも指摘してきた。今回の対応にもその矛盾を感じる。原子力安全委の存在意義も問われている。完全に独立した規制機関を再構築すべきだ。

But the implementation of these measures alone is not enough.
　ただし、こうした「手当て」を施して良しとするわけにはいかない。

Following the crisis at the Fukushima plant, NSC Chairman Haruki Madarame remarked, "Nuclear power stations can't be designed without discarding the potential for some problems, but the accident shows the way the potential problems were disregarded was wrong."
　事故発生後、原子力安全委の班目春樹委員長は「割り切らなければ原発は設計できないが、割り切り方が正しくなかった」と述べた。安全委員長の発言として納得できないが、それに加えて疑問が浮かぶ。

His remarks have raised questions as to whether a catastrophic accident can be prevented if problems are conveniently disregarded and whether it is enough to strengthen safety regulations, improve equipment and work out measures to respond to any emergency situation.
　割り切り方を間違えなければ大事故は起きないのか。安全規制を厳しくし、設備や緊急時の対応策を整えれば、事足りるのかという点だ。

Both the government and power suppliers had emphasized for many years that nuclear power plants are safe because they are protected by multiple safety devices. However, the latest crisis has illustrated the fragileness of the multiple protective devices.
　これまで、電力会社も政府も、原発は安全装置を何重にも重ねた「多重防護」に守られ、安全だと強調してきた。しかし、今回の事故で多重防護のもろさがわかった。

In other words, the accident has demonstrated that complete safety can not be achieved even if far more protective devices are installed at nuclear plants, and that serious accident countermeasures, implemented following the Three Mile Island disaster, have been unable to quickly bring the potential for nuclear disaster under control.
どこまで安全装置を重ねても絶対の安全はなく、過酷事故対策も事故を収拾できなかったというのが現実だ。

　◇依存度下げる決意を

There are arguments that aircraft and trains pose similar safety risks. However, a catastrophic accident involving a nuclear power plant has a far more serious and far-reaching impact over a far lengthier period. The risks posed by the coexistence of unpredictable major earthquakes and nuclear power plants should not be tolerated.
　リスクがあるのは飛行機や列車も同じだという議論もあるだろう。しかし、原発は大事故の影響があまりに大きく、長期に及ぶ。地震国であるという日本の特性も無視できない。予測不能な地震と原発の掛け算のようなリスクを、このまま許容できるとは思えない。

Considering such risks, extreme prudence should be exercised in considering whether to resume the operations of other nuclear power plants in quake-hit areas, such as the Onagawa plant in Miyagi Prefecture. It will be almost impossible to build new nuclear power stations from now on.
　大震災の影響を考えれば、女川原発など被災した原発の再開も非常に慎重に考えざるをえない。今後の原発の新設は事実上不可能だろう。

Based on these realities, we recommend that Japan take the opportunity of the Fukushima disaster to launch efforts to decrease its reliance on nuclear power plants from a long-term perspective. It is unrealistic to simultaneously dismantle all the existing nuclear power plants. Rather, Japan should gradually decrease its reliance on nuclear power generation by prioritizing the dismantling of nuclear power plants that are considered more vulnerable to disasters.
　こうした現実を踏まえ、大災害を転機に、長期的な視点で原発からの脱却を進めたい。既存の原発を一度に廃止することは現実的ではないが、危険度に応じて閉鎖の優先順位をつけ、依存度を減らしていきたい。

Top priority should be placed on decommissioning the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant in Shizuoka Prefecture that sits just above the probable focus of a Tokai quake that is believed certain to occur sooner or later.
　第一に考えるべきは浜岡原発だ。近い将来、必ず起きると考えられる東海地震の震源域の真上に建っている。

In the latest disaster, the focus of several quakes simultaneously moved and caused a massive quake. The possibility cannot be ruled out that the focus of Tokai and Tonankai and Nankai earthquakes in central and western Japan will simultaneously move, causing a huge quake and tsunami.
今回、複数の震源が連動して巨大地震を起こした。東海・東南海・南海が連動して巨大地震・大津波を起こす恐れは見過ごせない。

Aging nuclear power plants are particularly vulnerable to earthquakes because the most advanced technology for ensuring safety of such power stations is not incorporated in them and the most advanced knowledge of seismology is not taken into account in their design.
　老朽化した原発も危険度は高い。原発の安全性の知識も地震の知識も進展している。古い原発にはその知識を反映しにくい。

Japan has relied on nuclear power generation for 30 percent of the total electric power consumed across the country. Many people think that nuclear power plants should be maintained as a stable source of electric power. Some have expressed concern that the Japanese economy could not survive without such power generators.
　日本は電力の３割を原発に依存してきた。安定した電源として擁護論は強い。原発なくして日本の経済が成り立たないのではないかという懸念もある。

Still, we should understand that the "quake-triggered nuclear power plant disaster" occurred as a result of putting priority on the economy over safety. It is hoped that we will come up with ways to live affluent lives without relying on nuclear power plants even though the pros and cons of maintaining such plants should be decided by the whole nation.
　しかし、経済と安全をてんびんにかけた結果としての原発震災を直視したい。最終的には国民の判断ではあるが、原子力による電源に頼らなくても、豊かに暮らすための知恵を絞りたい。

The promotion of recyclable energy sources -- to which close attention is being paid as measures to prevent global warming -- and the achievement of a low-energy consumption society will be a key to breaking away from Japan's dependence on nuclear power. Now is the time for Japan to pursue electric power sources that are suitable for such an earthquake-prone country and adopt lifestyles that match the supply of electricity.
　そのためには、温暖化対策で注目された再生可能エネルギーの促進や低エネルギー社会の実現がひとつの鍵となるはずだ。地震国日本に適した電源と、それに基づく暮らし方を、今こそ探っていく時だ。

毎日新聞　2011年4月15日　0時07分

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

毎日新聞の力作。
経済技術大国の栄光におごった秀才たち（官僚と政治家）が悲劇をひきおこした。
政府と東電のちぐはぐな記者会見はノモンハン事件を彷彿とさせる。
ノモンハン事件のときには軍部により言論統制がなされていました。
今も政府や東電により報道管制（秘匿・隠匿）が一部ですが見受けられます。
国民に悪影響を与えるというのが理由ですが、よけいなお世話です。
国民が知りたいのは真実です。たとえそれがどんなに恐ろしいものでも。
幸いなことに、今の日本に言論統制はありません。
霞ヶ関、検察、政治家たちに向かってせめてブログを通して国民の思い（願い）を発信しましょう。
（スラチャイ記）

(Mainichi Japan) April 9, 2011
A society that depends on nuclear energy is just like a house of cards
風知草：特別編　津波が剥ぎ取ったもの＝山田孝男
 
A tsunami triggered by the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake not only destroyed towns and ports in northeastern Honshu, but also demonstrated various problems involving Japan's post-war energy policy.
　津波が剥ぎ取ったものは三陸の街や港だけではない。

The nuclear power policy that the government had disguised as rock-solid has actually proved so vulnerable. Prosperity built around such a policy is fragile. This has illustrated a wide perception gap between people on the seriousness of the crisis.
無力なのに盤石を装ってきた原子力行政の虚妄。その砂上に築かれた繁栄の危うさ、事態の深刻さに対する国民の認識ギャップもあらわになった。

Even though people are calling for solidarity and collective efforts to overcome the disaster, nobody apparently has the impression that the groundwork has been laid for the restoration of Japan.
一致団結、総力結集と言葉は躍るが、日本復活の基盤が整ったという実感はない。

Late last week, I visited quake- and tsunami-ravaged areas in the Sanriku district along the Pacific coast of the Tohoku region -- Rikuzen-Takata in Iwate Prefecture, Kesennuma, Minami-Sanriku and Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture, as well as the Fukushima Prefecture city of Soma. Many of these areas have been left in ruins. A large part of Kesennuma has been reduced to ashes by quake-triggered fires.
　先週末、遅ればせながら三陸を見てきた。陸前高田、気仙沼、南三陸、石巻。福島では相馬に入った。津々浦々が廃虚であり、火災を伴った気仙沼は焦土だった。

In sharp contrast, inland areas of quake-hit cities and towns remain intact. Residents of the Tokyo metropolitan area are losing their sense of crisis. No wonder that there is a wide perception gap on the seriousness of the disaster.
　だが、被災県も海岸から少し内陸に入れば無傷。まして首都圏の緊張はゆるみつつある。国民の意識に差が出るのも無理はない。

In an interview, former Fukushima Gov. Eisaku Sato emphasized that the nuclear accident is a man-made disaster. Sato, 71, is known as a staunch opponent of nuclear power generation.
　福島へ南下したついでに郡山まで足を延ばし、いまや原子力行政批判の代表的論客となった佐藤栄佐久・前同県知事（７１）に会った。

The former governor pointed out that the biggest problem involving the national government's nuclear power policy is that bureaucrats and power suppliers are under the wrong impression that nuclear power generation is absolutely safe and should be promoted by all means and that they keep problems involving such plants a secret. He thus asserted that efforts to invite electric power companies to build nuclear power plants in sparsely populated areas in a bid to create jobs for local residents are nothing but addictive drugs for regional communities.
　事故は人災です、と前知事は明快だ。「原発は安全。推進あるのみ」という官僚と電力会社の思い込みと秘密主義こそが問題であり、地域にとって原発誘致は麻薬でしかないと言い切った。

Sato served five terms as governor from 1988. Initially, he promoted the introduction of nuclear power plants, but a wide gap emerged between him and the national government as well as Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO), the operator of the tsunami-crippled Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant. After he resigned during his fifth tenure, he was arrested for accepting bribes and later indicted. He was convicted by the district and high courts, and has appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court.
　この人は８８年から知事を５期務めた。はじめは原発推進派だったが、しだいに国・東京電力との溝を深めた。５期目の半ばで辞任した直後、収賄容疑で逮捕・起訴。１、２審とも有罪で上告中の身だ。

It is inappropriate to jump to the conclusion that he was arrested as a result of a politically motivated investigation aimed at suppressing anti-nuclear power movements, but what he pointed out has been proven by various news reports.
　それが「反原発」つぶしの「国策捜査」だったかどうか、速断はできないが、前知事の指摘はすでに多くの報道で裏づけられている。

The government's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) learned that a U.S. research institute had pointed to the possibility that the loss of an electric power source could lead to a reactor core meltdown, but disregarded it. The Fukushima Prefecture town of Futaba, which hosts the plant's No. 5 and 6 reactors, still suffers from huge budget deficits even though 30 years have passed since the power station was built.
　原子力安全・保安院は、電源喪失による炉心溶融の可能性を指摘した米国の研究機関の調査を把握していながら軽視した。原発のある双葉町は誘致３０年を経て巨額の財政赤字に苦しんでいる。

A historian who heard inconsistent announcements that the government and TEPCO made in their separate news conferences said the crisis is just like the "Nomonhan Incident," an armed conflict that broke out between Japanese and Soviet forces along the border between Mongolia and Manchuria, currently part of northeastern China, in 1939.
　話を聞きながら、先週、高名な現代史家からいただいた電話を思い出した。政府と東電のちぐはぐな記者会見を観察した歴史家の口から、「これはノモンハン事件じゃないですかね」という感想が飛び出した。
　ノモンハン事件とは１９３９（昭和１４）年、当時の満州国（現中国東北部）国境で起きた日ソ両軍の衝突だ。

Japan, which was overconfident of its military might after its victory in the Japanese-Russo War, underestimated Russia and went into another armed conflict with it. Even though Japanese soldiers on the battlefront were outstanding, Japan suffered a humiliating defeat because of inadequate instructions given by elite officers who did not know actual warfare.
日露戦争勝利で慢心した日本は不当にソ連を侮り、前線の奮闘にもかかわらず、実戦を知らないエリート将校たちの拙劣な指揮・指導で惨敗した。

The Japanese military covered up their defeat in the battle, and fought in the Pacific War without analyzing the cause of its failure in the incident, leading to its catastrophic defeat in World War II.
　日本軍は敗北を隠し、敗因を追究せず、続く太平洋戦争を同じ体制で戦い、亡国の結末を迎えた。

The Nomonhan incident raised questions as to whether Japan should seek to restore disaster-ravaged areas under the leadership of elite bureaucrats -- who were overly proud of Japan's prosperity as an economic and technological superpower -- without clarifying the cause of their mistake that led to the crisis.
経済技術大国の栄光におごった秀才たちの失敗を問わず、同じ陣容で漠然と復興を目指していいのかという疑問がわく。

At the time of the Nomonhan Incident, the Cabinet of Prime Minister Kiichiro Hiranuma was unable to control the Imperial Japanese Army and he was forced to step down after being tossed about in a complex international situation.
　ノモンハン事件当時の首相は平沼騏一郎だった。内閣は陸軍を制御できず、平沼は国際情勢にほんろうされて去った。

There are now calls urging the two major political parties -- the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party -- to form a grand coalition in order to facilitate their cooperation in overcoming the disaster. However, there is no point in forming a large ruling bloc that cannot control bureaucrats.
ひるがえって今日、大連立もけっこうだが、官僚の手綱をさばけない、形ばかりの総力体制を敷いたところで無意味ではないかという疑問をぬぐえない。

At Rikuzen-Takata, which has been left in ruin, work is under way to install new utility polls along National Route 45. The public has agreed that it is an urgent task to quickly restore utilities, but there is no consensus about a vision on what kind of society should be created after rebuilding destroyed infrastructure.
　見渡す限り廃虚の陸前高田市で、国道４５号沿いに新しい電柱を植え込む作業が進んでいた。ライフラインの復旧を急げという合意はあるが、それから先、どんな社会を築くのかという確かな合意はどこにもない。

The crisis has clarified that a society that depends heavily on electricity generated largely by nuclear power plants -- which Japan as a post-war economic and technological superpower has achieved -- is just like a house of cards. Japanese leaders as well as members of the general public should be aware of this. (By Takao Yamada, Expert Senior Writer)
　戦後の経済技術大国がたどりついた原発依存の「オール電化社会」は砂上の楼閣にすぎなかった。その現状認識が重要ではないか。

毎日新聞　2011年4月7日　東京朝刊

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